As we were reminded last Sunday, stories teach. The author is recounting this history – not simply so that we would know facts about Israel's history – but so that we would learn from it. Therefore, as we see Sisera lying in a tent with a peg through his temple, we ought to ask the question: What is the lesson here?

Sin imprisoned Israel in a downward spiral. And none of the judges had the power to break those chains! Ehud could kill King Eglon, but he couldn't stop Israel from running back to her idols.

We look more like the book of Judges then we dare to admit. We ALL have a little dumpster fire simmering within us. That's part of what makes the book of Judges so beautiful! Because – while we read about the most vile and despicable sin – we simultaneously see a God who pursues and restores the most vile and despicable sinners. God did not send His Son to save the shiny, perfect people – He sent His Son to save sinners.

The book of Judges is a hard book. It is a violent book. This is a book that reeks of the reality of what sinful people are capable of. While it is a difficult book – it is also a GOOD book! If we can stop squirming long enough to listen, then we will find in these chapters timeless warnings and hope-filled anticipations! We will see honest reflections of ourselves and wonderful glimpses of God's mercy!

If you have received the call to become a disciple of Jesus, the son of God, then do not take that lightly. Jesus has called you, and it is a tremendous honour and privilege to serve Christ and follow him!

Too many Christians truncate the good news of the gospel as if it stops at the cross. The gospel is MORE than the forgiveness of sin. It is also the glorious reality that we can now live in the presence of God once again! We can become who we were always intended to be: Image bearers of God living in His presence so that we might enjoy and glorify Him forever!

The law could restrain us, but it couldn't change us. And that is why God promised that something – or rather, Someone – greater than the law was coming – the Holy Spirit.

Christians have been reconciled to God through Christ so that we can be his ambassadors offering reconciliation to the world.

Every spiritual gift is valuable, but some gifts are more valuable – in the sense that they are more edifying for the church. This is the main point of chapter 14.