Judges: Repeating CyclesSample

The pages of history are filled with kings, emperors, and dictators who fought, killed, starved, and ignored their people. Leaders are human beings—but human beings are still sinful.

God wanted to be Israel’s king. Israel, however, wanted a flesh-and-blood king to rule them, so God gave them what they wanted. They had some good kings, like David and Josiah, but they had many more corrupt kings. God wanted to be Israel’s king because he is the only one who can rule with justice, mercy, and perfect wisdom.

We still have human beings ruling over us. Some good and some not good. As believers, we must obey and respect our earthly leaders, because it is God who has put them in place over us. But God still wants to be our ultimate leader. Not just our leader, though: our king, our father, our friend. Jesus died on the cross to make this possible, removing our sin and the obstacle that keeps people separated from God.

To say that God is our king means that we submit our lives to him. We follow where he leads and live a life of love and service to others. To introduce people to Jesus and together fully follow him. If you haven’t already made this commitment, will you do that today?

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus to die for my sins! You are the perfect king who rules with wisdom and justice. I trust you and I love you. Amen.