BCL Devotional: “Rinse and Repeat” — Judges 2:18-19
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Each BCL Devotional includes a Bible passage, an encouraging quotation, and three practical steps to help believers reflect on, remember, and rejoice in God’s love in Christ.
Bible Passage
Whenever the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge, and he saved them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge. For the Lord was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who afflicted and oppressed them. But whenever the judge died, they turned back and were more corrupt than their fathers, going after other gods, serving them and bowing down to them. They did not drop any of their practices or their stubborn ways. — Judges 2:18–19
Quote
The judges cycle is a pattern that consists of five steps: (1) Israel does evil by going after other gods. (2) Yahweh gives them over to their enemies. (3) Israel cries out for mercy. (4) God raises up a judge who delivers them. (5) The land has rest. This sequence is put on rinse and repeat throughout the book, yet it does not return exactly where it began….Each successive rebellion was worse than the one before. (Zach Keele, The Unfolding Word: The Story of the Bible from Creation to New Creation, p. 65)
Steps to Take
1. Reflect: We find a pattern in the book of Judges that consists of five steps. What are these steps, and what can we learn from them to help us persevere today?
2. Remember: In the book of Judges, we read about the history of Israel—their struggles to remain faithful to God and to obey him when they were without good leadership. They had no king, no ruler to fight for them and lead them to worship and obey God.
In our own day, we often have a tendency to look to others around us to make everything good and right. Political leaders who conform to our beliefs—and even some strong and popular pastors—draw our attention and capture our admiration. Yet, like the judges of Israel who found themselves in a downward spiral, with each generation growing more corrupt than the previous one (Judg. 2:19), we sometimes continue to look for another human savior, a person who will lead us to the promised land of peace and prosperity. Yet, there is only one Savior who is the way, the truth, and the life—Christ Jesus.
3. Rejoice: When you find yourself tempted to search for a leader who will usher in your best life now, be careful. It is not another fallen, sinful human who will save us from the difficulties and failures that seem to surround us. It is neither politicians nor other inspiring persons who will give us what we most need; it is Christ Jesus alone. Keep your heart and mind focused on him and follow him by keeping his commandments.
Love Christ with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and love others—even your enemies. For there is no greater Savior: he loved you and gave himself for you, and he will return one day to usher in the consummation and life everlasting for all who trust in him alone.
Jesus is the only righteous King, both now and forevermore, and he alone is worthy of our faith and worship.
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Daniel Rowlands returned to an academic setting to complete Master of Arts degrees in Biblical Studies and Theological Studies from Westminster Seminary California after serving more than two decades in the United States Army as a helicopter and airplane pilot, and completing a career in various investment advisory roles and financial planning. He has lived and traveled around the world and currently resides in Idaho where he serves in his church as a teacher. For leisure, besides studying the Scriptures, he enjoys fly fishing, hiking, and road biking. Daniel is the content editor for Beautiful Christian Life.
