Bible Chapter: Judges 21

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    We see one more chapter in this strange saga.  After going against the tribe of Benjamin with the goal of killing them, the nation now lamented the fact that could lose one of the tribes.  And, they had made a foolish vow to now allow any of their daughters to marry a man from Benjamin.  They came up with a solution, but it was a very strange and sad one that included more death and destruction.  The thought that comes to my mind is that whenever people go against God and His ways, they do strange things because there are no good options.  People think they can solve any problem, but that is just not true.  Turn away from God and people discover the problems they face.  Not everything is easy to fix.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    The last verse of the book describes the sad state on the nation at that time.  It also describes the sad state of many nations down through history.  It could be written about many places in the world today.  All the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.  That is a recipe for disaster.  There is no safety for life.  What is right will constantly change when it is up to individual people.  Selfishness and jealousy will control and no one will be safe.  Fear and destruction will take over.  So, the application for life is live and promote the message of Jesus.  Jesus came to seek and save the lost.  He came to give abundant life.  He came to set people free from the bondage of sin.

3.  How can I help someone?
    The message of this book is what happens when apostasy takes over a nation.  There is deliverance in God, but it requires submission to Him.  Apostasy is renouncing and abandoning the faith.  Those who abandon God always pay a large price that, if they would have really seen the cost, would never have done it.  Pay attention before it is too late.