In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.  (Judges 17:6 (and 21:25) ESV)

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Solomon told us, “there is nothing new under the sun” (see Eccl. 1). I just finished reading the book of Judges. The handoff from Moses, the man of God, to Joshua, the faithful servant of Moses, had gone well. The people professed that they would obey all the words of God’s law and would keep it before them. But later we realize some bad signs. One by one we read of the tribes not completing the conquest as they were commanded (see Judges 1). This profound act of disobedience opened the door to paganism and idolatry. It followed quickly. After Joshua’s death we learn: That whole generation was also gathered to their ancestors. After them another generation rose up who did not know the Lord or the works he had done for Israel. (Judges 2:10 CSB). The good news was not passed on to the next generation. A new generation grew up lacking the character and conviction to be God’s faithful people in the land of promise. The book of Judges recounts the foolishness, wickedness, and debauchery that follows a forgetful people.

Yes, it seems like we are living in the times of the Judges again. Everyone seems to be doing whatever seems right to him or to her. We see it in the interactions of parents, children, coaches, and officials at ballparks. We see places of learning—schools and libraries—being given over to the promotion of the sexual revolution. Children are being seduced into life-altering medical procedures. We observe a Department of Justice that us ordinary Americans now fear. One theologian and pastor after another departs the Biblical faith for the fleeting desire to be “liked” by the popular press. I wish to be faithful. Help me, Lord.

In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did whatever seemed right to him (Judges 21:25 CSB). They were living in times of both political and spiritual anarchy. Public life was total chaos. Religious life was one of mixing with the cult practices of the day. It was ultimately apostasy, a turning away from the true faith. Moses had led them faithfully. Joshua had followed, directing their lives by God’s word to them. They forgot about Joshua, Moses, and their God. What about for us today? We and our children have the same word they did. We must keep it before us and pass it on. Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path. I have treasured your word in my heart so that I may not sin against you. How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping your word. (Psalm 119:106, 11, 9)

PRAYER: Dear Lord, open my eyes so that I may contemplate wondrous things from your instruction (Psalm 119:18). In Jesus’ name, Amen.