"John 8:31-59
Be loyal to God
As the account of this chaotic period in Israel’s history comes to an end in the book of Judges, the writer concludes: ‘At that time there was no king in Israel. People did whatever they felt like doing’ (21:25, MSG). God had given them a political system based on loyalty to the one God. But that loyalty was short-lived and the whole system began to dissolve.
As we will see when we look at the book of 1 Samuel, the provision of having a king in Israel was not seen as wholly positive. Yet it was preferable to this chaotic state of affairs where everyone did just ‘whatever they felt like doing’.
Even in the midst of the chaos, there were moments when the people of God ‘enquired of God’ (20:18). They asked to be led by God. The lesson of staying in constant communication and consultation with God is so prevalent throughout the Old Testament. If Israel made a mistake here, it was that they did not ask God whether or not they should go into battle – they only asked how the battle was to be waged.
We also learn that even if God is behind a scheme we may suffer great setbacks, as the people of God did here. Even though God promised victory there were casualties along the way. If this is true of the physical battles they faced, it is certainly true of the spiritual battles that we face. We must not be surprised by setbacks. It does not necessarily mean that we are not being led by God. The lesson of the book of Judges is that whatever happens we must stay loyal to God.
Lord, help me to stay constantly loyal to you. May I not be put off by setbacks. May I always seek your will in my life."
1. I am so grateful for instilling into my mind that there will be setbacks but I just have to keep trusting You, in Your bigger plan for me. Thank You.
2. Thank You that still by Your grace, I am able to let go what is not for me. I pray for more room options.
3. Thank You for extended help from people you bring into my life.
