Read through the Bible in 2 years: Judges 21

People always joke about Leviticus being the hardest book in the Bible, with maybe Numbers and Job being close runners up. Well, so far this year I’ve read all three of those, and none of them light a candle to how hard Judges has been for me. To see again and again the depravity of man, even so called “good men” like Gideon and Samson, has broken my heart time after time.

Judges ends with these words,

“In those days there was no king in Israel.
Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

Judges 21:25 ESV

Whether people obey Him or not, Almighty Jehovah God is the Supreme, Sovereign Ruler. He is the King over Heaven and Earth. He rules over all creation, though mankind chooses to disobey Him, doing whatever seems right in their own eyes. All too often man follows his own deceitful, corrupted heart rather than following the Lord.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Proverbs 14:12 ESV

As an atheist, I saw helping others as a way I could make my mark in the world. I wanted people to think well of me.  I wanted to be a good person. I made up all kinds of rules for myself and tried my best to keep them, but I couldn’t do it. I didn’t have any motivation higher than my own pride and I didn’t have any strength higher than my own will power. Like these men in Judges, I was doing whatever seemed right to me, whatever was right in my own eyes, and that way led me straight to the center of the City of Destruction via the Slough of Despond. (Have you ever read “Pilgrim’s Progress” by John Bunyan? Might I suggest listening to an audio version of it. I’ve been listening to this version on Christian Audio and love it.)

But the Bible reveals another path. A better path. A path of humility and power, God’s power.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

Proverbs 3:5-8 ESV

Heavenly Father, Your Way is right. All Your ways are good. Help us to know You, rightly discerning the path of life. May Your Word be a light to our feet and a lamp to our path. May Your goodness be a fetter, binding our wandering hearts to Thee. Lead us straight to You. In the Name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.