"In those days there was no king in Israel:

Falla39 · #1 06-09-2011, 09:25 AM

This was written by our firstborn regarding her son's message last evening.
It was a brief run through the book of Judges. You could have heard a pin drop, as it seemed everyone was listening. LORD, help us to have ears to hear what saith the Word of the LORD! - Falla39

I woke up at 3:30 am....still stirred by my son's message last night....by Glenna Conkle Brua on Thursday, June 9, 2011 at 4:33am

Just woke up at 3 something a.m. ..... with my 2nd born's message still playing over and over in my mind..... I may never think of the book of Judges in quite the same way....

Story after story in the book of Judges of people doing some terrible things, things not pleasing in God's eyes. They did 'unheard' of things.... Tales of harlots, concubines, murders, plunderings, stealings, assaultings, etc. etc. etc.... And every now and then, it will be punctuated with "...and it came to pass in those days, when there was no king in Israel...."

And you could close the book and say, "Wow, what a terrible time in the history of man......some sad and sordid tales....." But let's just read the very last verse of the book of Judges..... "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes." Judges 21:25

That pretty much sums it up! This is what happens when 'man' does what is right in his own eyes.....when he doesn't look to a 'King', 'to Godly counsel', 'to God and His Word' ......he decides to do what is right in his own eyes! "There is a way that seemeth right unto man, but the end will lead to destruction." That is never a good ending to a story, to a situation, to a dilemma, to dire circumstances or to a time of great need..... doing what is right in our own eyes ....... not looking to the One who knows all and gives His very best to those who leave the choice to Him!

"Lord, help me to never do what "just seems right in my eyes" but help me always to look to You! Whether in matters of 'marriage', 'child-rearing', 'financial difficulties', 'health and the lack thereof', 'difficult decisions', 'life-changing decisions' or just 'day to day living' ..... I want to seek the right counsel, seek Your Word and that right early that I may find You ...... it doesn't matter what "I" want, but what pleases the 'King'?

I do not ever want it said of my family...... "In those days, there was no 'King' in the family of ******: they did that which was right in their own eyes." No, but instead, let it be said..... "....they were a family after God's own heart. They did what was right in the eyes of God...they followed after God all the days of their life..." For my children and grandchildren's sake, I want to keep the King first and foremost; front and center in our lives.....

Some good preaching tonight from my 2nd born.....he always has a unique delivery and a deep word from God......and his 'momma's' heart is always touched and stirred... God's Word is really relevant for today.... Oh, how I want to please the King......

Falla39:
I would add that THE KING is reigning in HIS KINGDOM! In the hearts of those who desire to PLEASE THE KING! AND the LORD knoweth those that are HIS. HIS NAME is in their foreheads (minds).

scotty · #2 06-09-2011, 09:52 AM

Now thats good stuff right there.

RandyWayne · #3 06-09-2011, 09:53 AM

But, didn't Israel acquire a King because the people demanded it? Wasn't it Gods first intention that they NOT have one?

I agree with the overall post, but just wondering about this small point and how it may, or may not, relate.

Falla39 · #4 06-09-2011, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

But, didn't Israel acquire a King because the people demanded it? Wasn't it Gods first intention that they NOT have one?

I agree with the overall post, but just wondering about this small point and how it may, or may not, relate.

This is not my writing, but from a writing by Dan Peek. But it is a brief of what happened.

God ruled Israel as King, the King of the Jews. Samuel was God's man and representative and God spoke through him to Israel. But as Samuel grew old, the elders of Israel gathered together and came to speak with Samuel.

"...now make us a king to judge us LIKE ALL THE OTHER NATIONS (my emphasis)". Samuel 8:5

"And the Lord said unto Samuel....they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them". Samuel 8:7

Israel had rejected God as their Spiritual King and broken covenant with Him. They wanted an earthly King so that they could be like the other nations. God, through Samuel told them the tremendous cost of submitting themselves to an earthly King.

"He will take your sons...he will take your daughters...he will take your fields, and your vineyards...he will take your servants...your sheep...and ye shall be his servants". 1 Samuel 8:10-17

"And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you: and the Lord will not hear you in that day". 1 Samuel 8:18

Yet they persisted in their demand. "Nevertheless...they said, Nay, but we will have a king over us; that we also may be like all the nations..." 1 Samuel 8:19-20

Whenever we choose anyone or anything but God to be King over us it costs us dearly. Whenever we choose to be like the world it costs us. Broken fellowship with God, broken lives and broken hearts.

Almost sounds like what governments have become and also some religious
leaders, dictors, etc.

RandyWayne · #5 06-09-2011, 10:47 AM

It is trading freedom for security, and perhaps even freedom for prestige.

Don't mean to go off on such a tangent but Chris could come on now and speak about house churches as a way to break the bonds that a large church building and top heavy ministry puts on a typical church organization. And he would be right.

But....to the original post you DO need to be accountable to someone, or at least someone who's advice you are willing to listen to. Obviously God first, but flesh and blood entities second

Sam · #6 06-09-2011, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

But, didn't Israel acquire a King because the people demanded it? Wasn't it Gods first intention that they NOT have one?

I agree with the overall post, but just wondering about this small point and how it may, or may not, relate.

My answer is "yes" to both your questions. It seems that God wanted them to obey Him and follow His rules and rituals under the guidance of a leader or local leaders like Moses. Yet, He knew that He Himself would come through the narrowing line of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, and then David as a King to rule over a Kingdom.

The book of Judges has been compared to a roller coaster with cycle after cycle of
rebellion, retribution, repentance, restoration and rest
or
sin, sorrow, supplication, and salvation

It's sad when we don't submit to the Lordship of Jesus.

scotty · #7 06-09-2011, 10:52 AM

I agree on the accountability part Randy, but there is a difference between a spiritual leader as Samuel was and an earthy King. Its like pitting your pastor verses the president.

RandyWayne · #8 06-09-2011, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotty

I agree on the accountability part Randy, but there is a difference between a spiritual leader as Samuel was and an earthy King. Its like pitting your pastor verses the president.

Who do YOU think would win in a cage match?

scotty · #9 06-09-2011, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

Who do YOU think would win in a cage match?

Oh my pastor would, hands down.

Not sure about an 18 hole challenge though.

Falla39 · #10 06-09-2011, 11:29 AM

I do believe in accountability, each in it's order! I was accountable to my parents
as a child, and then accountable to the pastor (my late father). He taught me to
put GOD first and as I have grown and matured, I have learned that making GOD
# ONE in my life, as did my father and his mother before him, it has been a WISE
decision indeed! I respect and endeavor the laws of the land, and other offices, etc.,
but the two greatest commandments by our LORD, is prominant! To love the LORD, my
GOD with all mine heart and to love my neighbor as myself! And I have endeavored to
teach it to my children also.