Finding True Leadership: The Need for Divine Kingship
Summary
In today's message, we explored the final chapter of the book of Judges, a narrative that starkly illustrates the chaos and moral decay that ensues when people live apart from God. The story of Judges 21 is a grim reminder of the consequences of human actions when they are driven by force and self-reliance rather than repentance and divine guidance. The Israelites, after nearly annihilating the tribe of Benjamin, find themselves in a moral quandary, lamenting the very situation they created. Their solution, however, is to commit further violence, highlighting a cycle of sin that only deepens their predicament.
This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of trying to fix sin with more sin. It underscores the futility of relying on human strength and wisdom to solve problems that require divine intervention and repentance. The Israelites' actions reflect a broader human tendency to seek control and force solutions, often leading to greater harm and chaos. This is contrasted with the example of George Washington's strategic retreat during the American Revolution, illustrating the wisdom of stepping back and seeking a different path rather than charging forward recklessly.
The book of Judges ends with a poignant statement: "In those days, there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes." This reflects a deep longing for leadership and direction, a need that is ultimately fulfilled not by earthly kings but by the divine kingship of Jesus Christ. As we transition from Judges to the letters of John, we are reminded of the hope and guidance found in Christ, the true King who offers peace, justice, and righteousness.
Key Takeaways:
- The Consequences of Living Apart from God: The book of Judges illustrates the chaos and moral decay that result when people live without divine guidance. This serves as a reminder that every word in Scripture is there for a reason, to show us the consequences of life apart from God. [24:15]
- The Futility of Force Over Repentance: When faced with problems, our natural inclination might be to push harder or use force. However, true resolution comes from repentance and turning back to God, who offers guidance and mercy. [31:40]
- The Cycle of Sin: Attempting to fix sin with more sin only leads to a deeper entanglement and greater consequences. This cycle can be broken by turning to God, who offers forgiveness and a new path forward. [41:12]
- The Longing for a True King: The Israelites' desire for a king reflects a deeper human need for divine leadership. Earthly leaders may offer temporary solutions, but true peace and justice come from recognizing Jesus as the King of Kings. [47:36]
- Installing the Right King: In the chaos of life, we need to install the right king in our hearts. Jesus, the King of Kings, offers a kingdom of peace, justice, and righteousness. By surrendering to Him, we find true leadership and direction. [50:30]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[24:15] - Introduction to Judges 21
[25:09] - Israel's Lament and Irony
[26:12] - The Problem of Benjamin
[28:22] - Desperate Solutions
[29:26] - Lessons from History
[31:40] - Choosing Repentance Over Force
[32:53] - The Danger of Force
[34:14] - Biblical Examples of Repentance
[35:10] - Jesus' Teaching on Force
[36:27] - The Wild Plan for Wives
[38:14] - The Cover-Up Consequence
[39:06] - Personal Story of Cover-Up
[41:12] - Don't Fix Sin with Sin
[44:32] - The Longing for a King
[47:36] - Installing the Right King
[50:30] - Jesus as the True King
[51:12] - Personal Reflection and Prayer
[54:27] - Communion and Baptism Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Judges 21:1-25
- Proverbs 28:13
- Matthew 26:52
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the initial problem faced by the Israelites in Judges 21, and how did they attempt to resolve it? [25:09]
2. How does the story of George Washington's retreat during the American Revolution relate to the Israelites' situation in Judges 21? [29:26]
3. What was the Israelites' plan to find wives for the remaining men of Benjamin, and why is it considered problematic? [37:32]
4. How does the book of Judges conclude, and what does this reveal about the state of Israel at the time? [45:50]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the Israelites' lament in Judges 21 reflect a lack of self-awareness about their own role in the crisis they faced? [25:09]
2. How does the cycle of sin depicted in Judges 21 illustrate the broader human tendency to try to fix problems with more sin? [41:12]
3. What does the longing for a king in Judges 21 suggest about the Israelites' understanding of leadership and divine guidance? [45:50]
4. How does the example of George Washington's strategic retreat provide a contrast to the Israelites' approach to solving their problems? [29:26]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you tried to solve a problem with force or control. What was the outcome, and how might repentance have offered a different path? [31:40]
2. Consider a situation in your life where you might be tempted to fix a mistake with another mistake. How can you choose a path of honesty and repentance instead? [41:12]
3. The Israelites' desire for a king reflects a deeper human need for leadership. In what areas of your life are you seeking guidance, and how can you turn to Jesus as your King for direction? [47:36]
4. How can you identify and break cycles of sin in your life, and what steps can you take to seek God's forgiveness and a new path forward? [41:12]
5. Think about a decision you are currently facing. How can you ensure that you are seeking God's guidance rather than relying solely on your own understanding? [31:40]
6. In what ways can you install Jesus as the King in your heart and life, and how might this change your approach to daily challenges? [50:30]
7. Reflect on the statement, "Everyone did what was right in his own eyes." How can you ensure that your actions align with God's will rather than your own desires? [45:50]
Devotional
Day 1: The Consequences of Living Apart from God
When people choose to live without divine guidance, chaos and moral decay often follow. The final chapter of Judges illustrates this vividly, as the Israelites find themselves in a dire situation of their own making. They nearly annihilate the tribe of Benjamin and then lament the consequences of their actions. This narrative serves as a stark reminder of the importance of living in alignment with God's will. It highlights the futility of human efforts to solve problems without seeking divine wisdom and guidance. The Israelites' predicament underscores the broader human tendency to rely on self-reliance and force, which often leads to greater harm and chaos. [24:15]
Judges 21:25 (ESV): "In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying solely on your own understanding and strength? How can you invite God's guidance into these areas today?
Day 2: The Futility of Force Over Repentance
When faced with challenges, the natural human inclination is often to push harder or use force to overcome obstacles. However, true resolution comes from repentance and turning back to God, who offers guidance and mercy. The Israelites' attempt to solve their problems through violence only deepens their predicament, illustrating the futility of force over repentance. This serves as a powerful reminder that human strength and wisdom are insufficient to address the deeper issues of sin and brokenness. Instead, we are called to humble ourselves, seek God's forgiveness, and allow His wisdom to guide our actions. [31:40]
2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV): "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you have been trying to force a solution. How can you approach it with a heart of repentance and seek God's guidance instead?
Day 3: The Cycle of Sin
Attempting to fix sin with more sin only leads to a deeper entanglement and greater consequences. The Israelites' actions in Judges 21 highlight this destructive cycle, as their violent solutions only exacerbate their problems. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of trying to address sin through human means rather than seeking divine intervention. The cycle of sin can be broken by turning to God, who offers forgiveness and a new path forward. By acknowledging our shortcomings and seeking His grace, we can find true healing and restoration. [41:12]
Proverbs 28:13 (ESV): "Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy."
Reflection: Is there a recurring sin in your life that you have been trying to manage on your own? How can you bring it before God and seek His forgiveness and help to break the cycle?
Day 4: The Longing for a True King
The Israelites' desire for a king reflects a deeper human need for divine leadership. Earthly leaders may offer temporary solutions, but true peace and justice come from recognizing Jesus as the King of Kings. The book of Judges ends with a poignant statement about the lack of leadership in Israel, highlighting the chaos that ensues when people do what is right in their own eyes. This longing for a true king is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who offers a kingdom of peace, justice, and righteousness. By surrendering to His kingship, we find true leadership and direction in our lives. [47:36]
Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV): "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end."
Reflection: In what ways are you seeking leadership and direction from earthly sources? How can you more fully recognize and submit to Jesus as the true King in your life?
Day 5: Installing the Right King
In the chaos of life, it is crucial to install the right king in our hearts. Jesus, the King of Kings, offers a kingdom of peace, justice, and righteousness. By surrendering to Him, we find true leadership and direction. The Israelites' struggles in Judges highlight the consequences of lacking divine leadership, and their longing for a king points to the ultimate fulfillment found in Christ. As we navigate the complexities of life, we are invited to enthrone Jesus in our hearts, allowing His wisdom and love to guide our decisions and actions. [50:30]
Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have not fully surrendered to Jesus' kingship? What steps can you take today to invite Him to reign in that area?
Quotes
They're going to God lamenting, God, why did this happen in Israel? Do you know who did this? They did. They're the ones who did this. My dad always said, if he could ever find the child in his home that was called, that whose name was, I don't know, that that person would be in a whole lot of trouble. [00:25:32] (21 seconds)
You know, when we get in desperate situations, especially when we realize we were contributors to the cause of the problem, we've got a choice. And sometimes you'll go to some crazy lengths to try to solve your problem. Have you ever noticed that? When you realize that you've got some ownership in what got you here, you'll do a lot of things to try to get yourself out. [00:29:08] (25 seconds)
Don't choose force over repentance. Right? When you realize something is wrong or is broken, that you've messed up, you have a choice. You can grab harder, you can push harder, or you can turn to the Lord and ask him what he's trying to show you. You can repent, which means to turn back to the Lord, and you can ask him. [00:31:40] (24 seconds)
There was a moment where this played out dramatically with Jesus himself in the Garden of Gethsemane. We were reading part of this story in our one-year Bible reading this morning, if you're following along with us in that. Jesus had approved his disciples going out and getting a couple of swords, where the disciples were very evidently eager to use. [00:34:27] (19 seconds)
The first step in solving every problem in our lives is to turn or return to the Lord in repentance, asking him how we should proceed. He wants to teach us. He wants to help us. He says that he's here, that he hears our prayers. We don't have to continue pushing where we're going to break something. We can turn back to him. [00:35:33] (23 seconds)
Like, have you ever told a lie and then you had to tell another lie to cover it up? Anybody? Nobody raised their hand, you just told a lie. So now you did, and we'll see what the next one is. Right? We've all done that, right? I want you to imagine any sin or wrong thing you've ever done in your life that jumps to your mind. And I'd be willing to bet, I'd be willing to bet a large sum of money that you were tempted, or actually maybe you did, end up doing another wrong thing to try to cover it up. [00:41:57] (27 seconds)
In those days, there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. After all that we've seen in this book, the chaos, the brokenness, the going back and forth, we're left with this phrase. There was no king in Israel and everyone did what was right in his own eyes. [00:45:29] (20 seconds)
Right because we all have this longing that you feel at the end of judges like there's chaos it's crazy my life the world around me i need a leader i need some help you need to install a king but it needs to be the right one it can't be yourself and it can't be any other earthly leader it's got to be the right king in your life and that right king of course was the long-awaited messiah jesus the king of kings and the lord of lords who said in john 18 my kingdom is not of this world he would have a different kingdom like no other king would ever have or had had here's what would here's what was prophesied about how he reigns isaiah 9 famous christmas passage for to us a child is born to us the son is given and look at this the government shall be upon his shoulder and his name shall be called wonderful counselor mighty god everlasting father prince of peace of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end on the throne of david and over his kingdom to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore this is the kind of kingship he offers one where he's a counselor he's not a far-off king he's a king who will listen to you one who is mighty he's a king strong enough to conquer the things that we face he is everlasting he has no term limits he was not democratically elected he is the king it says that in whom there was an overflowing amount of peace there's also justice you see injustice in the world that's him he takes care of that he's righteous which means there's no like sullying parts of his character right nothing you're going to read in the tableau the teammates of the headlines his integrity is and i love that he's forever more we need was talking and this is the kind of team we need is there were we go from here we could try to control for force or we might be tempted to add send to try to fixed the past send a try to find a way out but the only way is to install the right king and here's the good news We don't need the entire world to recognize him as king because he's our king. [00:47:45] (146 seconds)
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