The Story Chapter 8 Introduction

It is never fun to land in front of a judge. When we are the one in front of the judge it is usually because we have done something wrong.

About 5 years ago I landed in front of a judge. I was on my way to the beach, I had just put on some tunes to enjoy when I saw the policeman in my rear view mirror. When the officer said to me, “We cannot even remember the speed limit here as they keep changing it” I knew I was in trouble. And so I landed before the judge.

Do you know there is an entire book in the Bible named judges? Joshua the leader of the Israelites had gone on to glory, now it was time for the Israelites to live in the land and be God’s people. The only problem was, they continually strayed from being the people God wanted them to be. So a series of judges appeared on the scene to help sort out right and wrong.  They also helped people get out of trouble.

God’s people kept putting themselves into a never ending cycle of disobedience, discipline, declaration of wrong, and deliverance.  Judges like Deborah (take note there is a female judge, all the way back in the pre-king days of the Israelites), and Gideon and Samson helped the people find their way back to God.

What did the people do that was so bad they needed judges?  Two things.  First, they failed to put God first in their lives (Judges 1:28).  And secondly, they did not teach their children to know God (Judges 2:10).  These two “sins” led to their downfall and ruin.

Are you making the same mistakes they made?  If so, you have a judge that can help you––Jesus.

The good news is that when he “calls” you into his court room after you’ve messed up, you will look up to see your judge’s face and see your savior there.