In most English translations, that is the phrase that closes the book of Judges. In full, the last sentence reads like this: "In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes." Judges 21:25 (NLV)
All kinds of questions arise in our minds when we read through the book of Judges. God's special people, the people of Israel seem to be "all over the map" spiritually. At times they appear to sincerely follow God and obey his commands. Within a generation however they seem always to be seduced by the surrounding lifestyles and religions of those around them. Often it appears they are syncretistic, worshipping the God of Abraham yet also involved in idol worship. Even those who are chosen of God and used by God to lead his people seem so flawed. (Examples: Gideon, Sampson and Jephthah)
We marvel at God's patience and we wonder at some things that are recorded in Judges - but never condemned. Does God really love people so flawed and can He bless and use leaders who seem so ungodly at times?
The answer is of course: "yes". We see this in our own day within Christian circles. If we were God we might absolutely reject large portions of "Christendom". Yet there is evidence of God at work even while much is bad about their theology and ethics. We see some evangelical leaders have great impact for God and good. We know that many believers have been blessed by their ministry. Yet we discover that these same leaders have been immoral, or dishonest, or in effect, thieves.
We wonder at how a holy and righteous God can put up with people like those we see in part of the church today. We wonder at the tragedy recorded in Judges when "everyone did what was right in their own eyes." But then, aware of our own sin; and aware of the imperfections of our own local churches, we stop to humbly thank God for His mercy, His patience, His love and His forgiveness - given to those like us who are so flawed and undeserving.
All kinds of questions arise in our minds when we read through the book of Judges. God's special people, the people of Israel seem to be "all over the map" spiritually. At times they appear to sincerely follow God and obey his commands. Within a generation however they seem always to be seduced by the surrounding lifestyles and religions of those around them. Often it appears they are syncretistic, worshipping the God of Abraham yet also involved in idol worship. Even those who are chosen of God and used by God to lead his people seem so flawed. (Examples: Gideon, Sampson and Jephthah)
We marvel at God's patience and we wonder at some things that are recorded in Judges - but never condemned. Does God really love people so flawed and can He bless and use leaders who seem so ungodly at times?
The answer is of course: "yes". We see this in our own day within Christian circles. If we were God we might absolutely reject large portions of "Christendom". Yet there is evidence of God at work even while much is bad about their theology and ethics. We see some evangelical leaders have great impact for God and good. We know that many believers have been blessed by their ministry. Yet we discover that these same leaders have been immoral, or dishonest, or in effect, thieves.
We wonder at how a holy and righteous God can put up with people like those we see in part of the church today. We wonder at the tragedy recorded in Judges when "everyone did what was right in their own eyes." But then, aware of our own sin; and aware of the imperfections of our own local churches, we stop to humbly thank God for His mercy, His patience, His love and His forgiveness - given to those like us who are so flawed and undeserving.
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