Psalm 74

It took just a few moments to read this psalm of Asaph. Where does God's hand not reach? Verse 17 speaks of the day and night being his. We know they were parts of his initial creation. Yet even today, he owns them. He does with them as he pleases. His actions are true and just regardless of what we see and perceive.
Stuart

2 Samuel 11-13

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage. In the first part of chapter 12 God sent the prophet Nathan to confront David with the sins he committed against Uriah. The situation is very similar to Samuel's confrontation of Saul in 1 Samuel 15. Yet the reaction of the offenders were radically different. Both men were living indifferent to their sins when they were confronted. Saul persisted in his self delusion. David immediately saw the offence to God and repented. God wants us to follow David's example.
Stuart

Psalm 73

It took me nearly 3 minutes to read this psalm, written by Asaph. It is tempting, as Asaph noted, to desire the lifestyle of the crooked and vile. Yet Asaph points out that their glamor is an illusion. From God's perspective there is nothing to their lives. They are so focused on self-fulfillment that they never take time to reach out and touch people and find out where they are. So their worldly treasures rot away, and all they have are the curses of their selfishness to hold as they walk into a hopeless eternity.
Stuart

2 Samuel 8-10

It took me about 12 minutes to read this passage which speaks of David’s compassion and victories.  God continued to be with David, and David responded by ruling justly.  There was no corruption or selfishness in David’s actions or judgments.  His reverence of God led him to act as God directed him.  To add to his justice David added compassion by reaching out to the son of Jonathan son of Saul.  He did as God led him and restored Saul’s inheritance to him, and gave him a seat as the king’s table because of the covenant between Jonathan and David.  Because David continued to follow God as he gained power, God gave his army even greater victories for his glory.

Stuart

Psalm 72

It took about 2 minutes to read one of the poems that Solomon wrote. In verse 14 Solomon writes of the fellowship he shares with the downtrodden of the world. The Message puts it this way;"When they bleed, he bleeds, when they die, he dies." There can be no closer communion then that. God is so in touch with those who have been rejected because that was the life he lived as Jesus. The one who delivered the greatest message of hope was dishonored, mocked, abused, and rejected. But he differs in one very significant way; he will never be forgotten. Likewise he will never forget those who follow closely after him.
Stuart

2 Samuel 4-7

It took me about 16 minutes to read this passage.  Twice in this passage David, now king over all of Israel, saw God explode.  God exploded on the armies of the Philistines.  He didn’t explode once, but twice to give Israel a great victory over their enemies.  Because of this great eruption of God’s power David named the place after God; he called that place Baal Perazim – The Lord who explodes.  David’s excitement at God’s favor moved him to bring the ark of God’s covenant into the city of David.  Once again God exploded, but not against Israel’s enemies, this time God exploded against the irreverent actions of a priest.  Uzzah chose to put the ark on a cart rather than bear the weight of God’s covenant as he had instructed his priests.  We aren’t told why Uzzah chose to transport the ark in this manner, but God was not pleased.  Uzzah compounded his irreverent handling of the holy vessel by touching that which symbolized the traveling presence of God’s promises with Israel.  His intent was to stabilize it, but honorable motives in the midst disobedience is not what God wants.  God exploded against this priest, and he died on the spot.  Because of this great eruption of God’s power David named the place after God; he called that place Perez Uzzah – The explosion against Uzzah.

This brings to my mind the encouragement and warning from a passage in the Hebrew letter:

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’" (Hebrew 10:28-29)

Stuart

Proverbs 31

It took me about 3 minutes to read this collection of wise sayings. Most of the time that I've read this chapter I have focused my attention on those verses that portray a godly woman. But the first 9 verses speak of the qualities of a godly leader. King Lemuel's wise mother passed on to him three expressions of righteousness that a leader seeking God' approval will develop and display.
1 - don't get caught up in shallow, meaningless, short-term relations. A godly leader will find a spouce who is fixed on God.
2 - don't get consumed with drinking and drunkenness. Doing so results in  poor judgements.
3 - be the voice for the voiceless, and pursue justice for the disadvantaged. This preceedes from the life of a ruler engaged in the life of those who follow.
Stuart

2 Samuel 1-3

It took me about 13 minutes to read this passage on David’s ascent to the throne of Israel.  Though Samuel had anointed David king over Israel years earlier, finally David took the position that God had prepared for him.  Even with a mighty army backing him David waited for God to change the hearts of the people of Israel.  I believe David would rather wait for God to change the people then for him to force his rule upon the unwilling.  Waiting as he did is exactly what God needed David to do; because the people of Israel did respond to David.  First the leaders agreed to make David king, then the people joined their leaders.  In his songs of laments for two people who had fought against him; Saul and Abner, David showed that the love of God moved through him.  He understood that all of Israel were united, and that fighting among themselves was not what God desired for his people.    The same is true of God’s people today.

Stuart

Proverb 30

It took me about 3 minutes to read this collection from Agar. In verses 7-9 Agar petitions God for two things; the absence of lying in his life, both internal and external; daily bread, neither too little or too much. One spiritual need that is more than an admirable trait, it displays a part of God's nature in our lives. The second is a display of humility. We live in a society where an abundance of food is a status symbol of wealth. Agar must have lived with a similar status recognition. To request only what is needed shows a desire for what God desires for us as well.  To request these two provisions from God is a prayer to which God will respond with favor and grace.
Stuart

Pshilippians

It took me about 20 minutes to read this letter from Paul. The message I find most encouraging in this letter is from chapter 3; in verses 12-14. Paul says that he is reaching out to Christ. I picture him staining toward the man hanging on the cross, seek not to give comfort but to learn how to give himself in the same way. In acts we read how Paul responded with a shout at the high priest who had ordered him struck on the mouth.(Acts 23:1-3)  Jesus faced the same abused, but kept his temper and poured out love.(John 18:22-23) How did paul want to reach out to Jesus? By reaching out to every person he met; treating them like they were his Lord. He realized that is the sacrifice that Jesus made for all of us.
Stuart

Proverbs 29

It took about 3 minutes to read these words recorded by Solomon. The very last observation goes a long way in explaining the nature of those who reject God. Their minds have become so distored that when they encounter an obvious goodness they are repulsed.  They cringe at the thought of an honest leader; someone who rejects bribes and flattery. We may be frustrated with the evil present in our society, but we have a God who is actively watching over us for our good, and his glory.
Stuart

1 Samuel 29-31

It took me about 15 minutes to reads about David's miserably bad week. He was kicked out of the army of his adopted home, his wives and few possession where taken by raiders, and his life was now being threatened by his own men. Facing all of this rejection David turned to God. In 30:6 David received strength because of his faith in God. He knew that God had carried him through many difficult times and he was confident that God would provide again this time. Though it took them more time to reacher the enemy raiding party God allowed David and him men to reclaim everyone, and everything. All of the tests that David had faced allowed him to see the ugliness in this situation as one more time when God would display his wonderful power.
Stuart

1 Samuel 26-28

It took me about 10 minutes to read this passage. David was given a second opportunity to act according to the desires of his flesh and take king Saul's life. That death may have ended David's contuniual hiding in the wilderness. But David refused such an act. In 26:23 David made a confession of God's position of ultimate authority; only God has the right to determine what happens to each of us. Only God will judge us with regard to eternity. Saul's confession of sin against David was noteworthy, but in pactice it meant nothing. He refused to drop his obsession with David until David fled to hide in the heart of the Philistines. Only then did Saul give up his pursuit.
Stuart

Proverbs 28

It only took about 3 minutes to read this chapter.  Sometimes I wonder if I belong in the category of those who don't listen to God? Solomon noted his obvervation of such people in verse 9. Does God respond to my prayers the same way I respond to his word? If I understand grace at all Solomon's words are aimed at those who have no faith in God and then mouth words toward him when it is socially or politically expedient for their desires. Jesus' blood covers our short term failures, from which he will lead us back to his throne.  Yet there may be some prayer which are rejected in order for us to learn more about God's nature and how he works in our lives.
Stuart

1 Samuel 23-25

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.  Two stories of God’s deliverance of David are recounted.  The first story is where God delivered David from the hands of Saul.  This story ended with a test for David; would he seek revenge for himself or allow God to act in his time.  David chose to surrender to God’s will and did not take Saul’s life.  The second story is an extension of this test.  David didn’t kill Saul because he was the king whom God had put over Israel.  When David was insulted and rejected by Nabal he set out to murder the man who had dishonored him.  God prompted Abigail to seek David’s favor.  David wisely saw God at work to deliver him from a very selfish sin.  Once again David surrendered to God’s will.  God executed judgment on Nabal, and David was spared the guilt of murder.  These are reminders to us that God will lead us through difficulties for his glory.

Stuart

1 Samuel 21-22

It took me about 10 minutes to read this story that centers on Ahimelech the priest. When David fled from Saul he came to Ahimelech a desperate man. The priest gave him holy food, the sword of Goliath, and his blessing. Then Saul called Ahimelech to his throne. He took the law in his own hand; convicting him of a capital crime that God had not prescribed.
We need to notice the type of men whom David welcomed: losers, vagrants, and misfits. They came to him and followed his lead. Often God's people find themselves surrounded by this type of people. Those who have no hope in this life find hope, and a purpose, when they seek out the people of God.
Stuart

Proverbs 27

It took me 5 minutes to read this collection of wisdom. The truth in verse 21 is vital to our understanding of this life. Our faithis precious to God, as precious as we view gold. Yet what does it take to purify gold? Fire. Heat that causes the gold to flex, to melt, to loose all its composure. A furnas that robs the gold of its form. A fire that changes a gold bullion into a puddle. Heat that brings the worse to the surface.  When the impurities are exposed they can be pulled away. Then the gold is shaped and allowed to cool. But to continue purifying the gold it may go through the furnas multiple times. Such is the picture of God working with our faith.
Stuart

1 Samuel 19-20

It took me about 10 minutes to read this passage. How would you feel if the government was seeking you life, and you had been consistently obedient to God’s command. David’s life speaks to Christians today who find themselves in that very situation. King Saul raged against David. Not because he was rebellious, or opposed to God, but because he was righteous, and was receiving God’s favor. These were two things that Saul had possessed at one time, but which he gave up in order to revel in the glory of what he had accomplished as king of Israel. When he saw them displayed in David, Saul grew jealous, then angry, then hateful of David; Saul despised David’s very existence. David did not seek to overthrow the king, arguing that he was God selected leader, instead David waited for God to act. David had learned that waiting on God’s timing was one of the greatest reflections of a man of faith. David faithfully pursued God’s heart even when others selfishly pursued his life.

It was one year ago today, May 21, 2007, when I began making entries in this forum. Since then I have made 534 entries and I have learned a lot about God. One of the big lessons is from one of the scripture verses that I learned early in my Christian walk. Isaiah 35:4 “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” I think that Isaiah echoed words by which David had lived.

Stuart

1 Samuel 16-18

It took me 20 minutes to read this passage that details how God worked to bring David to prominence. David was the 8^th, and ignored, son of Jesse of Bethlehem. (I wonder if his great-grandmother Ruth was still alive during any part of David’s life?) David kept himself busy while out in the fields with the sheep. He learned to play the lyre, a small hand harp, and made up songs to calm and entertain the sheep, and probably himself. He practiced slinging stones, and became very adept in locating them the keep the stragglers close to the flock. He also used the stones to scare off wild animals that would attack the flock. God used these experiences in David’s young life to give him a confidence in God and a spirit of a great warrior. David must have also learned fighting tactics while battling those predators. His life must have been threatened numerous times, but David realized that each time God spared him and equipped him to fight with vigor. When he approached that giant warrior David must have felt the same fear that he had faced with the bears and lions, and he saw God deliver him again. Much like Joseph son of Israel, David went from obscurity to prominence through the provincial working of God in circumstances and leaders’ choices. I believe that God still works in the same ways to teach and develop in us many of the skills that he wants to be used in the work of His Kingdom.

Stuart

1 Samuel 13-15

It took me 20 minutes to read this passage. Saul had such a promising start as king. Samuel explained that to Saul in 15:17-19. This was not the first occurance, but it was the last time. God was ready to replace Saul. Though God had used Saul to attack the enemies of Israel, but because Saul choose to move his allegiance from God to self, his rule was cut short and he family was removed as royal line. But there is a picture of God's grace in this sad story. Jonathan, Saul's son, violated a curse that his father had made. Yet God moved the army to protect this man of faith from his father's irrational wrath.
Stuart

1 Samuel 10-12

It took me about 11 minutes to reads about the beginning of Saul's reign as king over Israel. How long did it take Saul to grow confident in the work HE accomplished and forget God's hand of power in his life? He never displayed high expectations of himself before he met Samuel. It sounds like he was troubled by Samuel's words. But then when everything Samuel said came to pass Saul was a changed man. Once he was presented before the people Saul responded to God prompting to lead the people. He received the milatary guidence humbly, and when the victory was secure he extended grace to his detractors.  When Samuel gave his "farewell" address Saul was there; basking in the glory of victory and awe of the people. Though Saul displayed the leadership that God had placed in him throughout his life Saul also began the slow fall into selfishness that would lead to his open rebellion against God.
Stuart

1 Samuel 7-9

It took me about 10 minutes to read this passage. I think that it is amazing that the majority of Samuel's leadership of Israel is summed up in one setence: "Samuel gave solid leadership to Israel his entire life." This was a man dedicated to God fom before his birth (a type of Christ) who lived righteously in the wisdom and faith of God. He called Isarel to repentance. And they heeded his call. Unfortunately, Samuel was much more influencial with the masses then he was with his sons. They rejected their father's faith, and rebelled against God's authority. Israel was disenchanted with this leader and rejected him as too old. They gave up their holiness and demanded a king, to be just like all the other nations. In rejected Samuel they also rejected God as their ultimate authority.
Stuart

Proverbs 26

It took me about 4 minutes to read this collection of wise observations. There are people who reject all of God's standards and by such actions reject God hilmself. (Regardless of what they say) God considers such people as fools, and their actions as foolish. For such a person to be set before people as an example is equally as foolish. As foolish as, according to The Message, using a mud brick to top off an ornate marble column. Christians may agree with the words spoken by some politicians, but we should not honor them if their actions are foolish from God's perspective.
Stuart

1 Samuel 4-6

It took about 10 minutes to read this passage. There are two truths I saw in this story about God's nature. The first was in chapter 4 when Israel took the ark of the covenant to the battle line. They didn't ask God if they could do that, they presumed their will upon God. The lesson is this; you can't "take" God where he doesn't want to go. He will reject our efforts, and our plans will end in failure. The second lesson was revealed to the Philistine people: you can't "keep" God where he doesn't want to be. Sometimes we Christians want to keep God in the church. But Jesus died for all people, so he won't stay there. He'll keep after us until we take him out where he wants, and needs, to be.
Stuart

1 Samuel 2-3

It took me about 15 minutes to read these two chapters. God spoke a word to Eli through an unnamed prophet. A message that he repeats through both the Hebrew and Greek scriptures; God honors those who honor him. We should not take this as a message of fear, but one of comfort. Our efforts, no matter how fruitless they appear to us, will be honored if we honor God. Eli was not honoring God, so God rejected him and his descendants. Though they would serve him they would not live full lives.
Stuart

1 Samuel 1

It took me about 5 minutes to read the story of the birth of Samuel. Every time Samuel heard his name he knew that his life was a direct answer to prayer. That would be a tremendous honor and challenge in which to mature. But his name was also a constant reassurance; God hears the prayers of the downcast and insulted, and he responds.  I wonder how many times during his life that the mention of his name reminded Samuel that God would answer if he would only ask.
Stuart

Ephesians 4-6

It took me about 12 minutes to read this passage.  I like the wording that The Message used in 5:2 to define Jesus’ love: “His love was not cautious but extravagant.  He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us.  Love like that.”  I know that too often I am cautious in my love of people for a number of reasons; I don’t know them, I have been hurt by them, they are people who look or act very different from me.  But Jesus could say the same thing about each of us.  I know that I need reminded of the second statement; to love in order to give.  That is the whole purpose of Jesus’ command to love one another.  Since it is exactly what he did, when we respond likewise we show other people how closely we are following Jesus.

Stuart

Proverbs 25

It took me about 5 minutes to read this collection of wise observations. I wonder how many discoveries that Solomon made before he realized this proverb? The more a scientific mind investigates a part of nature the more mystery will be discovered. It should amaze the world that there seems to be no end to the discoveries being uncovered by science. Yet Christians should not be surprised by this truth at all. Such a reality speaks of the limitlessness of God's nature. I believe that no matter what secrets that are uncovered in the natural world, such enlightenment will only point the way to more truthes and more mysteries. I believe that is what God intended.
Stuart

Proverbs 24

It took me about 5 minutes to read this collection of wisdom. Verse 27 speaks of planting before building barns. Though a shelter for crops and family is necessary, building storage is an exercise in futility if there is no crop to store away. I wonder what Solomon saw that led him to this conclusion? There are spiritual over-tones to this truth as well. Here are just a couple:
Feed your faith before you prepare to face the enemy.
Trust God in the little things, and he will continue to develop your trust in bigger and bigger things.
Stuart

Ephesians 1-3

It took me about 15 minutes to read the first half of Paul’s Ephesian letter.  I like the phrase Eugene Peterson used to define the word grace in verse 8 of chapter 2.  “Saving is all his idea, and all his work.  All we do is trust him enough to let him do it.  It’s God’s gift from start to finish.”  That is such a fantastic picture of what God does in the process of bring each person to salvation; it’s all about God working in us.  That appears to be one of the biggest struggles I’ve seen in my walk of faith, and that I have observed in other Christians.  I want to think that I had something to do with my salvation.  But all I could do is trust God to work and get out of his way.  And any good work that I accomplish is done by the same mechanism; God working in me.  But this truth also takes a great burden off of my heart; since God brought me into salvation it is also his working that will overcome my tendency to sin and keep me in the righteousness of Christ.  That is what the cross provided for me; security beyond my imagination.

Stuart

Proverbs 23

It took me about 5 minutes to read this chapter. In verse 23 the writer of these proverbs says; "Buy truth." Wherever else we may put our investments it is truth that will ALWAYS return positive all the time. Its returns are not monetary, but what it does bring into our lives lasts much longer that any 401k.. Investing our lives in truth means that we have all of eternity for it to lead us into reward after reward.
Stuart

Ruth

It took me about 15 minutes to read the story of Ruth. When Ruth began to glean in Boaz's field he offered her words of comfort and encoragement. She asked Boaz why he was being so kind to her. He replied that her reputation of being a servant to Naomi was well known. Boaz had observed how dilegently she was working. Being a faithful servant seldom catches the attention of rulers, but it always catches God's attention. Because she surrendered all to join herself with God's people. Because she served wholeheartedly, God rewarded this woman who came from a people he had cursed, and used her to bring Messiah into the world.  What a great picture of God and his nature.
Stuart

Romans 14-16

It took me about 15 minutes to read the end of Paul's letter. Some of the last instructions that Paul gives deal with the interactions between Christians. God knew that Christians would grow in faith at different rates and that some would reach a deeper understanding of grace quicker than others. So he gives Paul this instruction to pass on to us; don't judge each othern that's God's job. It is a fine line to balance. I think that the more convicting we leave to God the better off the church would be. If we listen with concern more often than we declare our own views on scripture we might find out that those who's views we oppose are really not that far from where we stand.
Stuart

Romans 12-13

It took me about 6 minutes to read this passage.  Paul hits on four ways the deal with how to live;

Live as a part of the body of Christ – 12:1-8

Live sacrificially before God – 12:9 -21

Live responsibly under civic rulers – 13:1-7

Live with a focus on the Kingdom – 13:8-14

Each of these areas of life are a full study by themselves, but I think I can summarize them with one word; accountability.  Though we have been set free from the chains of sin and are no longer under the control of the law, we are accountable to God as citizens of his Kingdom.  Our desire, because of his grace to us, should be to function in the body as he created us to function.  To give up our selfish desires just like Jesus did, and use our circumstances to obey God.  To show the world that citizens of God’s Kingdom are not constrained by the laws of the land, but free to exercise the benevolence that God has put in our hearts toward all people.  Our goals, and hopes should have the advancement of God’s Kingdom at their center.  Paul’s words in this passage to the Romans still speak volumes of encouragement to 21^st century Christians.

Stuart

Proverbs 22

It took me nearly 4 minutes to read this collection of wise words. The proverb from this section that I need to be reminded of frequently is verse one of this chapter. The culture that rubs its influence against my life points to the accumulation of bragging rights as the measure for our life. It doesn't have to be something tangible, just something that make an individual stand out among those around him.  Solomon observed that from God's perspective the two thing that are worth determining how we excel are;
A spotless reputation and a gracious spirit. Such attributes may not bring recognition in this world, but it will display God's workmanship in our lives.
Stuart

Romans 9-11

It took me 20 minutes to read this section, and it is one of the most complicated passages that Paul penned.  I think one of the problem modern Christians have with this passage is that we look too much at the details and not at the big picture when it comes to Israel.  I’m not going to start in on that, because I’m still working it out in my mind.  But the very last part of chapter 11 gives a picture of God’s sovereign power:

“Everything comes from him,

Everything happens through him,

Everything ends up in him,

Always glory! Always praise!”

In his loving kindness and mercy God is at work in everything, in every way to bring about what is good for us, but more importantly, what brings glory to his greatness and power.

Stuart

Proverbs 21

It took me 4 minutes to read these wise sayings. The last one, as recorded in The Message speaks a word of truth that displays the proper expression of faith through working. This is how The Message renders 21:31: "Do your best, prepare for the worst -
Then trust God to bring the victory."
We are to be about the work that God has given us with all of our efforts. At the same time we should expect this life, and the enemy of our souls, to attack and threaten us in many ways. So we should be preparing ourselves with God's armor, which will enable us to stand firm in the faith when those trials arrive. In the midst of our hard work, and realistic expectations, we should keep an eye out for the wonderful work that God will do; either around us, through us, or in us. He may even work in all three areas to help us grow in our faith
Stuart

Romans 6-8

It took me 20 minutes, in two settings, to read this passage.  I love chapter 8 of the Roman letter.  There is so much that Paul was led to write down in that section that offers us tangible, spiritual encouragement.  The closing thoughts in chapter 8 speak of the power of God’s love for us.  By his nature God cannot NOT love us.  Paul points out that there is nothing in all of creation that can separate us from the love of God.  I’m not sure if Paul is limiting his focus to those who are in covenant with God.  Surely God’s love for those outside of covenant is just as unmovable as it is to those who have surrendered to the power of the cross.  That makes God’s love a wonderful promise to everyone who has rejected him thus far.

Stuart

Romans 4-5

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.  In the last part of chapter 5 Paul is comparing and contrasting the introduction of sin through Adam with the introduction of grace through Jesus.  The Message brings out the unequal comparison of sin and grace in verse 20; “But sin didn’t, and doesn’t, have a chance in competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call grace.”  We have the tendency to focus a lot on the power of sin; because it is so destructive in its expression.  But Paul says that the real power to accomplish greatness is not in sin, but rather in God’s grace.  This make so much sense.  Sin is a human creation.  Therefore, by its very nature of being rooted in fallen humanity at its very strongest it is terribly weak, and frail; unable to even support itself.  Grace, on the other hand, is from the heart of God.  It is a good and perfect gift, and therefore it is overflowing with the nature of a loving and forgiving God.  So the weakness of grace, if there is such a thing, is more powerful then the full force strength of sin.

Stuart

Romans 1-3

It took me about 20 minutes, in three settings, with a number of interruptions to get through the beginning of Paul's letter to the church in Rome.  Some groups of Christians focus on the different topics Paul addresses in chapter 1; how nature displays Gods greatness, and how sinful men are receiving their "rewards" now for choosing a selfish lifestyle. But I think Paul would more focus on the topics he adresses in chapter 3; that all people everywhere are equal before God as sinners. And that all of us need his saving grace to be right before God.
Stuart

Judges 20-21

It took me about 10 minutes to finish this book. This is the conclusion of the story about the sinfulness of the men of Gibeah in the inheritence of Benjamin. I don't understand why the leaders of that tribe stood with their sinful brothers and fought against Israel. I don't under stand why wayward Israel rallied to the side of righteousness because of this act of savagery. Unless it was early in the time of judges and most of Israel was not living in disobedience to God's law. Verse 20:27 gives the time period for this story. It seems to have happened shortly after Joshua's death, rather than just before Samuel's birth. I say that because it refers to Phinehas the grandson of Aaron. I do understand the actions of the leaders and army of Israel. They were seeking to do what was right before God. To purge the evil from Israel.
Stuart

Judges 19

It took me about 5 minutes to read this story. It is an aweful story that depicts the end result of those who's lives are lived with no godly purpose. As long as their stomachs are full and their bed is warm and dry godless men with turn to greater levels of self indulgence. The most obvious will be the perversion of their sexual desires. The Benjamite men of Gibeah wanted to humiliate and overpower this traveller. They were not given that opportunity so they abuses his concubine until she was mortally wounded and did not survive the night. These men of Gibeah had become not decendants of Abraham, but rather decendants of those whom God had destroyed from the land. They gave up the promises of God to satisfy the passions of their unrestrained flesh.
Stuart

Judges 17-18

It took me about 10 minutes to read this passage.  The stories in this section of judges point out the aimlessness that Israel discovered in their nation.  And the summary of that state is in 17:6 “In those days Israel had no king.  Everyone did as they saw fit.”  These were the days before an earthly king, but Israel did indeed have a king; God almighty.  But the people of that day lived their lives in open rebellion to their king.  So they lived as if they had no king.  The real solution to Israel’s problem was not to have an earthly king, which they later had.  The solution to aimless wandering in those days is the same answer that it is today; surrender to the rule of the one true king.  We have the advantage of knowing more fully God’s revelation through Jesus, but we still face the same choice.  Do we follow out king (Jesus) or do we do as we wish (which is quickly becoming the new American dream).  The end result of either choice is made obvious in scripture.

Stuart

Judges 16

It took just a couple of minutes to read the last stories of Samson's life. It is interesting to note how freely Samson moved among the Philistines after having caused so much harm among them. It seems that the Philistines feared Samson. After the slaughter at Lehi they had reason to fear him. There the odds were 1,000 to one and God gave Samson the victory. Those his lack of self control led to his capture, Samson's faith in God's power in his life never wavered. This can be seen in his final prayer in verse 18; there Samson called to God for the strength to mete out justice on the rulers of the Philistines. And God answered yes.
Stuart