The book of Judges continues the story of Israel’s conquest of Canaan. It opens on a bright note as we see the people inquiring of the Lord to determine what they should do. The Lord’s guidance is what brings victory. The victories continue with the dominance of Judah followed by the descendants of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh as well as the tribe of Benjamin. Yet as we see, the victories are not total for not all the enemies are eliminated. Some are enslaved but many remain autonomous and thus at odds with Israel and a stumbling block for them.
If we compare this type of success to the Christian life, we will find the same situation exists in our daily walk. We achieve victory in some areas. Other areas bother us with temptation to compromise with sin but we have them under control and discipline. Yet there are many areas still that cause us to fall. Some of these result from bad habits we have adopted from our former way of life. Some are just old coping mechanisms that we still use when faced with decisions and troubles. The Christian life is not one of constant bliss and contentment but of setbacks and struggles. Like the Israelites we will find ourselves having to continually battle the ways of the world, our sinful flesh and the temptations of the devil. We must daily resolve to submit our wills to His.
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