In Those days there was no King...the Wayfarer 3/7/16

In Those days there was no King
 3/7/16

 "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

(Judges 21:25)

The book of Judges concludes with the tribes of Israel warring among themselves. Justice and judgment devolved to the strongest among them with none having fear or respect for any human authority other than that held by themselves.

The final chapters include the history of Micah,

the Danites, more graven images, the history of a Levite and his journey through the land claimed by the tribe of Benjamin and his treatment while there.

Sodomy and abomination of all degrees were present again among the chosen of God.

All this after having had a judge named Samson, with whom most are familiar, and his proof of both the power and Glory of God, when this wayward people took the time to honor the laws given them by God, enforcing those laws within their own homes, honoring what was given in there own homes having no need of a king or ruler to force that obedience to those laws given them.

Just as a motorist on a good highway, thinking no policeman is patrolling will often ignore all speed laws, intended for their own safety, and exceed a known speed limit, (breaking a law of man) then continue to place lives at risk until the law is finally enforced by a lawman, duly appointed, so too did this people ignore all laws intended for their well being, and continued blessings offered by God, bringing a much hasher judgment than either a relatively insignificant speeding ticket, or even harsher than the revocation of a driving license.

It took many years of struggle, and strife to arrive at a point when God would once more favor a people that had failed to favor Him with the simple obedience to the covenant made that provided them both blessing and protection, time after time again.

When finally given a king, and again provided with prophets to remind them constantly of the need to submit to the will of God, still they often turned from those blessings, to include the kings themselves that were given the governance of God's people.

Those kings, beginning with the first, Saul, themselves,  more often than not chose to disobey God, then had to face the consequences of having done so.

Some ruled only for a short period of the history of the Jews, others lived and ruled for much longer periods of time.

Some chose to lead their people in accordance with the wishes of God, yet others led only through what was "right in their own eyes."

Some had claim to a certain "righteousness", others succumbed to abomination, again and again.

One thing held in common by all the judges and rulers alike, was the absolute  certainty of death, and an accountability to God for their actions taken while temporarily in charge of His people.

That same holds as true today, for all rulers, leaders, elected, or by whatever means placed in the position of authority.

All will eventually die, and will be held accountable for actions taken, or withheld, when required to take that action.

These will face the judgment of men, as their histories will divulge the positive results of godly rule, or negative results through the means of following only what is "right in their own eyes."

As the entire world retreats to the time when no kings, or leaders of any kind accepted the laws of God, choosing their own way, it progresses to the time when all will stand accountable, no longer to men, but to God Himself.

Every human being, every descendant of Adam is accountable for the lives lived and choices made while living them.

Consequences must follow each action taken or untaken in all those lives.

There is no exception to that rule, no escape from the judgment of God, even if temporarily escaping the consequences of having broken man's laws, and thinking to escape the consequences of God's law.

"And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;

Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;

In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return to the ground; for out of it wast thou taken:for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

Great, or small there is no exception to this judgment passed on Adam and all his progeny.

The love and care and perfection of an eternal life given to a creature was thrown away. Actions have consequences!

Yet, God loved that creature, offering a way back to that same perfection and eternal life through a covenant given... honored for a while then again ignored for what is "right in the sight of men".

Again love was shown along with mercy for that hardheaded, childish disobedience, and a Savior was sent to provide a simpler and more perfect way to attain that precious favor, love, and care.

Despite the rejection given for Christ Jesus, only begotten Son of God, that means back to that favor still is available to all willing to :

"Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"

Choices have consequences!

"And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last."

(Revelation 22: 12 &13)

Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!

2 Timothy 1:12 King James Version (KJV)

¹² For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Amen and Amen
the Wayfarer