READ JUDGES 18
GO DEEPER
Judges 18 offers an overview of the state of affairs in Israel during the era of the judges. Regrettably, Israel is turning away from God, compromising its ethical principles, and making poor choices. Numerous Israelites are embracing a mindset centered around individualism and self-interest. The Danites, Micah, and Jonathan the Levite are deviating from God's path and choosing to follow their agenda.
The Danites, who had turned away from God and were unable to claim the land Joshua had promised them, decide to take matters into their own hands. They send spies to find fertile land that they can conquer and rule. Ignoring God, the Danites come up with their own plan. However, when the spies come across Micah's household and meet Jonathan the Levite, Micah's priest, they seek reassurance from God that they will succeed in their mission. The spies prefer to exclude God from their decision-making but are open to receiving His blessings for their conquest.
How frequently do we yearn to be the ones in charge, seeking control, and only then requesting God's assistance and blessings? As Christians and disciples of Jesus, our directive is to engage with and implement the teachings of God's Word and permit the Holy Spirit to lead us. Jesus should be the focal point of all our choices, regardless of their magnitude. The outcome of the Danites' tale would have been vastly different had they not strayed from God. Without a doubt, God would have spared the innocent inhabitants of Laish from harm and their town from destruction.
The Danites purposefully forsake their beliefs, along with Micah and Jonathan the Levite. Micah fashioned his own deities and employed his personal priest. Jonathan the Levite promptly transitioned from being Micah's priest to becoming a member of the Danite's tribe. Both individuals rejected the one true God to pursue their own agendas and live according to their own desires. If we fail to prioritize Jesus in our lives, we also risk succumbing to creating and relying on self-made gods and giving in to human cravings for control. It is imperative that we have faith in the God who created us and sent His Son to sacrifice Himself on our behalf.
QUESTIONS
1. The book of Judges portrays a period of spiritual uncertainty in Israel's past. How do you interpret spiritual confusion? If you encounter someone experiencing such a time, how do you believe God is guiding you to offer support?
2. What personal deity or idol hinders you from wholeheartedly devoting yourself to worshipping the true God?
3. What steps can we take to avoid drifting away from Jesus and forsaking our faith? Which of these steps can you focus on implementing in your life?