The Raising Up of Judges

This meditation is based on a passage for July 27, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Judges 2:1-5,11-23

Reflection and Question: The description of the Jews in Judges has long intrigued me because it corresponds with our situation in the church today much more than with the era of the kings in Israel and Judah. Our American, Puritan ancestors did not want a king. They wanted a direct connection with God through leaders, like the judges, who are called by God to bring the people back to faith when we inevitably fall away, just like the Jews in Judges. The rhythm of sin and salvation is not easy, but it is the real experience of the true church. Where is your church in this cycle described in Judges?

Prayer: God of all peoples, see our groaning under the oppression of our own sin and idolatry. Raise up judges in our time who will deliver us from our suffering. When we sin again, give us the ears to hear again the leaders You call to save us. Amen.