Read Judges 20:1 through 21:25
Last year, God-fearing people watched the news as Terry Schiavo was being put to death by the courts and judges of our land. These judges are vice-regents of God and as such bear a tremendous responsibility to God and will answer to Him. In Genesis 9:5,6, God gave human government. Its main purpose is to protect its citizens and punish evildoers. When God’s vice-regents of a society do wrong, that country’s foundations are shaken.
What about this awful crime that was committed among you? Now surrender those wicked men of Gibeah so that we may put them to death and purge the evil from Israel (Judges 20:12,13).
The book of Judges covers about 300 years following the death of Joshua. These awful events occurred soon after his death. Since there was no central government or king, the people gathered together to purge the evil from Israel. They realized, for their country to be blessed by God, those who broke God’s laws must be punished. Both God’s grace and justice are evident here. For justice, sin must be punished, but in grace God forgives sin.
Prayer Suggestion: Ask God that our rulers, judges, and courts will act according to Scripture.
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