Year of the Bible: Part Five of Twelve ናሙና

Israel Goes Their Own Way

In today's video, we see how sin or moral failure can sometimes be the act of deceiving ourselves and spinning illusions to redefine our bad decisions as good ones. In chapters 17-18 of Judges, we see the moral failure that Israel found itself in.

Judges 17:6 again tells us that “the nation had no king, and everyone did what was right in this own eyes.” There was no higher authority in the Israelites’ eyes than themselves, and therefore there was no definition of right or wrong. They would relate to their circumstance based on how they felt. "If it feels right, do it." They lived in existentialism, which is a philosophical theory or approach which emphasizes the existence of the individual person as a free and responsible agent determining their development through acts of the will.

As you read the story in both chapters 17 and 18, it becomes clear that both the family of Micah and the tribe of Dan know God by name: they bless and curse, and they use the name of God in their speech to one another. However, they live in a way that reflects the opposite of what God had said. They chose to make idols and worship them and even appointed priests for themselves that would aid them in worshiping these idols. All in the name of seeking God, yet without knowing him. We should take warning and note that it is possible to drift from knowing God to simply knowing about God; there's a big difference between the two.

Question: In a culture where people decide their way, do you include God in your thoughts, dreams, and decisions?

"Beware that no one distracts you or intimidates you in their attempt to lead you away from Christ's fullness by pretending to be full of wisdom when they're actually filled with endless arguments of human logic. People who do this operate with humanistic and clouded judgments based on the mindset of this world system, and not the anointed truths of the Anointed One. He is the complete fullness of deity living in human form, and our own completeness is now found in him. We are completely filled with God as Christ's fullness overflows within us. He is the Head of every kingdom and authority in the universe!" (Colossians 2:8-10 TPT)

Prayer: Jesus, thank you that I can depend on you for what I need. You are the fullness and fulfillment of God's love in my life. Let my mind dwell on you, and may I love you with all my mind. Help me to elevate You over my perspectives and desires, and help me remember that I'm complete in you. May I never forget you! Amen.