In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Judges 21:25
For several hundred years, after the Israelites had taken over the land of Canaan, they had different men who would lead the nation. While a judge would lead the people, they would follow God. As soon as the person died, they would walk away from God.
Once they walked away from God, He would allow them to be overrun by another nation. While being overrun, they would cry out to God for help, and God would send another leader. This occurred over and over.
After the last judge had died, the people had no leader, nor any king. At this time, every person did whatever he wanted, when he wanted, and how he wanted. It was a time of chaos.
The hearts of people have not changed since that time with the Israelites. People still want to do what they want, when they want, and how they want. They strive to find ways around the laws to be able to do their own thing. Often, many will just break the law to do what they want to do.
Many in the church have also fallen into the same pattern as the Israelites. They want to do whatever they want to do with no regard to God and His commands. It is common to see open sin accepted and even promoted inside a church. People do not care about what God wants or desires. Some do this out of ignorance of God’s commands, while many do it, ignoring God’s commands.
It is during these types of actions that people do not have a king. The king of every believer is supposed to be Jesus; however, they are not really following Him. They are following this world and themselves. Every person needs a leader to guide them correctly. God gave Jesus, who gave His Holy Spirit to lead and guide His people.
Although in the world’s eyes you may have the right to do whatever you want to do, however you belong to God. You are to do what He desires you to do.
Allow yourself to be led by the King of kings and Lord of lords. Let the Holy Spirit lead you in the ways of God, not your own ways.
Do not be guilty of doing your own thing, as the Israelites were. Let God guide you.
I pray today that you will know Jesus as your Savior and King; that you will know what God wants of you; that you will not live as the world does; that you will be led by the Holy Spirit; and that you will serve God with all of your life.
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This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Insights from Tom
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