This simple statement really sums up the ongoing dilemma in the Book of Judges and in our own lives. Israel was only meant to have, serve, and love one God: the God of her forefathers; the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; the God who heard their cries in Egypt and delivered them.
Sadly, she "chose new gods," and nothing but conflict and strife followed. This is an Old Testament picture of a powerful New Testament truth, a truth that's shared by Jesus in Matthew 11:28-29:
Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29 NLT)
In Jesus' time, yokes were used to unite two oxen together to ensure they would head in the same direction. So Christ's invitation to "take my yoke" is really a challenge to be united to Him and to follow Him. It's a call to have, serve, and love Him alone. It's a call to put Him first at the exclusion of all other gods. And those who accept this invitation will also experience peace and rest.
But to forsake Christ's yoke is to also accept new gods, gods that we were never created to have, serve, and love. Without fail, this produces unrest and strife. War will always erupt at your gates once you choose anything above the Lord.
Rest assured, we will remain restless unless we yield all to our relationship with Jesus. Peace and rest will be ours when we choose Him as our God and Him alone.
Discuss, Dig, Decide:
Discuss the danger of distracted faith. Share with the group what "new gods" you see emerging in our culture. How do you see these false gods being worshipped?
Dig into Judges 5:8 and Matthew 11:28-29. Why do you think Israel made the choice to follow other gods? What did it cost? How do Jesus' words in Matthew 11 challenge you to turn away from "false gods?"
Decide with your group to get honest about the false gods and idols that have been welcomed into your life. Challenge your group to identify the "gods" that presently hold a place in their lives. Offer up a time of confession to God. How can you obey 1 John 5:21? |
