Day 72

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Idolatry and Sexual Immorality

Scripture

March 12—Judges 17-21: Idolatry and Immorality

Observation

Today's section acts as an appendix to the first sixteen chapters of Judges. Chronologically it fits after chapter 3. But the writer has placed it here intentionally as a fitting climax to the book. The people are building their own idols of wood and metal, devising their own systems of worship, and even hiring Levites to serve as priests over their phony religions. Morally the nation is at such a low ebb that rape and homosexuality scarcely cause an eye to blink. And when Israel's national conscience is finally pricked by a shocking "telegram" sent to the twelve tribes, the response is brutal outrage—resulting in the near extinction of the tribe of Benjamin.

Application

Let's play doctor for the next few minutes. What are the first five vital signs would you check to determine if a patient was sick or healthy.

Now pretend that you are a spiritual doctor. What five vital signs would you check to determine if your nation was spiritual sick or healthy?

The lesson of Judges is clear. People left to do what seems right in their own eyes will end up doing what is wrong in God's eyes. Gross idolatry, immorality, brutality, injustice when God's objective standard of right and wrong is discarded, mankind will not only hit rock bottom morally—they will break clean through the bottom!

You have the privilege of making your voice heard for God and for good through meet-ups, social media, emails, messages and etc. because those around you need to know that God specializes in healing spiritually sick nations. Will you take ten minutes today to use that privilege? 

Prayer

Thank you Holy Spirit for being here for us believers to guide us through this thing call life. We need you all day everyday to tell us which way to go and which way not to go. Thank you Jesus!


Share the Good News!





© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2019

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