Judges 17:6: “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

May 1st, 2023 by Pastor Ed in devotional

There was no sovereign reigning over any hearts in the land of Israel. God’s people did what was right in their own eyes, and that is a very dangerous place to be in any time or place. Living without a reference point, other than what seems good to self, leaves one with no absolutes; and where there are no absolutes, confusion reigns. The concept of “no absolutes” is a ridiculous one, as anyone working in the hard sciences would confirm. Try convincing a NASA astronaut of this idea. Space shuttles and satellites are designed completely dependant on the laws of physics being predictable and reproducible. Try convincing a nuclear physicist that there are no absolutes, and he or she will laugh in your face. Thermonuclear weapons and nuclear reactors are based on absolutes. The same is true in aeronautical or automotive engineering since commercial airlines and automotives all work safely because of absolutes. In any area of physical science, absolutes are assumed, but in the arena of morals and ethics, many try to convince us otherwise.

We can see just how far the people had strayed from God’s law when Micah, an Ephramite—not a Levite, boldly set up a shrine (literally a “house of god”) to household gods right in his home. This is religion for rent and a sad perversion of true worship. The Holy Spirit bemoaned the fact that in those days everyone did as he saw fit, and that sobering assessment also closes this book in Judges 21:25. We must think clearly about this subject. God’s word is our reference point and the foundation for all our absolutes; we must take His Word seriously and live by it. Then and only then will life make sense and will we find the peace of God and peace with God. So what leads your life today? Is it human reasoning or the Word of God? If your peace seems to be slipping away, maybe it’s because human reasoning has replaced what God says it true. Turn around, get back to the Book, and peace will again flood your soul.

“LORD, we confess that You are God and we are not. Forgive us for not letting You be God and please take Your rightful place now.”