Over winter break a member shared a fascinating book called “The Return of the Gods” by Jonathan Cahn (2022). The author researches the gods found in ancient times that we read about in the Old Testament. Israel, as you will read through Judges, struggled to stay true to the Lord’s desire to not follow other idols or gods. You might recall from Sunday school about the first commandment that our God is jealous and wants our obedience and faith (Why? We are to fear, love, and trust God above all things). I must admit, I learned a little bit more than was ever emphasized in my graduate classes about the personification of evil that can take place within a culture/nation according to this book.
Cahn acknowledges that during the height of Christendom, these gods laid dormant within society, but with a more diverse and pluralistic culture, these ancient gods resurfaced here in America. It’s a curious read and has some edges and jumps that might be difficult for some, but the subject matter fits with the introduction to the book of Judges.
As we read in Judges, God’s people are earnest about moving into the Promised Land, however, they struggle to be obedient to God. Sin and unfaithfulness make them lose sight of the Promised Land flowing with milk and honey. The book of Judges demonstrates sin’s effect on individuals’ lives and on the community. We read about the importance of leadership and in Joshua’s passing the people wander in darkness – preventing them from experiencing abundant life.
God, however, cares too greatly about his people, is patient, and places judges into this specific time of Israel’s history to help the nation remember God and walk in faithful and obedient ways. The process is slow, spanning nearly 325 years of war and captivity with seven different people groups/nations. We learn in this 325-year span that when people move selfishly and choose to not follow God’s ways there becomes a spiritual, moral, and political decline.
Questions for reflection:
- As you read these first three chapters, in what way are we like the Israelites in the book of Judges?
- Have you ever compromised your faith by being content with partial obedience to God’s word?
- How do we balance being in the world but not of the world? (1 John 2:15-17; 4:4-6)
Lord, open my eyes to your ways and not fall into patterns found in this world. Lord, awaken my spirit and help me to discern the evil forces that try to steal, lie and kill. Help my soul to resist this evil and strengthen my faith in Jesus. Lord, help me be like one of the 12 judges of Israel who pointed to God’s promises and who lived with a pure motivation to seek your face in all things. Lord, we pray for our nation and leaders. Help us all to live into your image. Amen.