The Example

"In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes." -Judges 21.25

This is the final verse in the book of Judges. The people are leaderless. There is no one to teach them about God or His standards. There is no one to model a life that is passionately devoted to loving and serving God. With no example, the people are left to their own decisions and moral standards. Without godly leadership the people do whatever they deem to be right.

The book of Judges shows a cycle of Israel turning from God, being oppressed, being delivered by God's champion, worshiping God faithfully again, and then repeating the cycle. Without a leader who is committed to setting an example, and training those who follow him to do the same, the cycle is destined to continue.

Men, we have the responsibility of knowing God, and then setting an example for others to follow. We must know God and His standards. Those standards must be a priority in our lives, and we must live by them. But simply living by them isn't enough, we must model them yes, but we must also train those who follow us to know God and to live by His standards. We must encourage a love and passion for God in those who come after us. If we don't then we will see the cycle of Judges return.

Let us be men who live the example. Let us be men who train and encourage others to live passionately for God. Let us rise up and be kings who call others to do what is right.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor