In this episode, Pastor Micah closes out the book of Judges and shares what to expect coming up for Wenatchee in the Word! 

Judges 19:1-30 - Once again, we see it mentioned that there is no king, no authority, in Israel at this time. As a result, people are sinning egregiously with one another. No account of their sin is more apparent than what we see in this chapter. Ultimately, the longer we are away from the Lord, the more in sin we become, the more blinded we get to our own sinfulness and the more calloused we become to the effects of sin. If we ever find ourselves in this kind of mindset, we must deal with our sin rightly. We must repent and come once again under the authority of God and His Word. 

Judges 18:1-31 - Today, we see the tribe of Dan start to get discontent with their land inheritance situation. And as a result, they begin a progression of downward trajectory in sinful actions. Ultimately, the reason all of this is happening is because there is no king in Israel. Not even God is being looked to as the authority in the nation of Israel. And when authority is absent, anarchy is present. Anything goes. We see this in our world today. However, for Christians, this should not be the case. We have an authority. Therefore, our lives should not reflect the chaos of the world around us, but rather should reflect a humble submission to God and His perfect ways. 

Judges 17:1-13 - Today, we see a man named Micah introduced. And the things were told about him, his mother, a Levite, and really the entire nation of Israel at this time, is that they did what was right in their own eyes. Through this episode, we find ourselves pondering this question: Are we looking at our problems, decisions, etc. through what is right in our eyes, or God's eyes? 

Judges 16:21-31 - As we come to the end of Samson's life, we see that though his entire life was a display of strength, he is now in a time of weakness. However, we also see that though his life was really one of self reliance, he comes to a point of reliance on God. And because of the faithfulness of God, He blesses and strengthens Samson one last time! May we also realize that we are never too far gone to turn back to the Lord in humility, and see Him restore our relationship with Him! 

Judges 16:1-21 - Today, we see Samson's sins finally catch up to him. Though he had much physical strength, he was no match for the constant enticement of Delilah, and really of sin in general. Eventually, it brought him to a point of giving up the blessing of God. And yet, because of his downward trajectory into sin, when God did leave him, he didn't even realize it. 

Judges 15:14-20 - When Samson is brought to the Philistines tied up, God's Spirit strengthens him, and he ends up breaking loose and killing 1,000 men in an impressive battle. But instead of giving God the credit, he talks of how he defeated these men. Then in a vulnerable state, he blames God for not providing for him. Pride can do that to us. But when we focus on God more than ourselves, we find that in the good times we praise God, and in the bad times we lean on God. 

Judges 15:1-13 - Samson goes back to Timnath for his wife, and finds out that she was given to the man who was his best man. So he retaliates on the Philistines. Which in turn makes them come after him by killing his wife and father-in-law. Which makes him attack again. And we find that revenge is a never ending back and forth retaliation. But we are not called to avenge ourselves. We are called to allow God to avenge us, and to actually do good to those who come against us. 

Judges 14:5-20 - As Samson and his parents move forward with the marriage festivities, a lot takes place! In the process, Samson ends up breaking one of his vows as a Nazarite. He also ends up getting betrayed by his wife and owing 30 men of the city new clothes. But instead of doing it in an honorable way, he uses the special gift of strength the Lord has given him for selfish purposes. 

Judges 14:1-4 - Today, we see Samson become infatuated with a woman of the Philistine people. Although his parents have their objections to it, they ultimately allow this marriage to move forward. All along, despite Samson's bad wife/life choices, God is using it to accomplish exactly what He wants to accomplish in Samson's life.