We continue our study with the Book of Judges by moving further into Chapter 2. We are following a six-week Bible Study by Katie M. Reid entitled, “God, What Do I do?” This study is based on the Book of Judges, Chapters 1-5, and we are digging into what these lessons teach us about making wise decisions in uncertain times.
Today, we are studying Judges 2:16-19 and our focus is, “God, What Do I Do When I’m Tempted to Judge?”
Years ago, I worked at Indiana University Medical Center serving a surgeon and his surgical residents. There were many things I admired about my boss. He was a wonderful caring person and I appreciated how he looked at life. One of his favorite sayings was passed on by his grandfather, “Don’t judge a man until you have walked two moons in his moccasins.”
We need to practice empathy, because most of the time we may not know the life experience, struggles, or perspective of someone else. No one likes being judged. We may say we don’t care, but is that entirely the truth when someone judges us unfairly. Most of the time, we do care about justice. So, why then do we turn and judge others?
The judges God raised up to guide Israel were more like regional military leaders. They were focused on fulfilling God’s plan and purposes for their area of responsibility in the Promised Land. When a leader died, the Israelites digressed in their loyalty and faithfulness to God. Subsequently, the Israelites faced the consequences of their sin and disobedience. Even then, the Lord was with them.
They did not listen to their judges.
They prostituted themselves with other gods, bowing down to them.
They quickly turned from the way of their ancestors, who had walked in obedience to the Lord’s commands.
They did not do as their ancestors did.
Yet, God was compassionate and faithful to rescue His people by trying to ease their suffering.
God is the only perfect judge even though sometimes we decide to make snap judgments of others. We may think others need to do things the way we would do them; like we are always right? If we are wise, we will not be all puffed up with self and instead remember God is the rightful Judge (James 4:11-12, 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Revelation 20:11-15). God knows everything, sees everything, and it is to Him we will all give an account. We are not the standard…God is!
Judges 2:16-19 NLT The Lord Rescues His People
16 Then the Lord raised up judges to rescue the Israelites from their attackers. 17 Yet Israel did not listen to the judges but prostituted themselves by worshiping other gods. How quickly they turned away from the path of their ancestors, who had walked in obedience to the Lord’s commands.
18 Whenever the Lord raised up a judge over Israel, he was with that judge and rescued the people from their enemies throughout the judge’s lifetime. For the Lord took pity on his people, who were burdened by oppression and suffering. 19 But when the judge died, the people returned to their corrupt ways, behaving worse than those who had lived before them. They went after other gods, serving and worshiping them. And they refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways.
Truth: When you’re tempted to judge, decide to revere God as a responsible and accurate Judge.
Prayer: God, we know there are times You use us and others to spare people from self-harm and despair by prompting us to speak the Truth. This is not judgment; this is love. Please teach us to be responsible to share the Truth in love, but not stand in a place that was created only for You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.