When we think of Judges, we think of people dressed in black robes sitting in a courtroom. In the Book of Judges however, we need to think of them more as heroes, warriors, military leaders, or champions, even saviors. So, it’s a Book about Biblical heroes; 12 men and women who helped rescue Israel from its oppressors. Heroes like Gideon, Samson and Deborah. These judges were not perfect at it, but when they submitted to what God wanted they did amazing, God glorifying things.

Today we’re going to look at Jesus (1000 years before He was born) in the Book of Judges. After settling in the Promised Land, the people became weak in their spiritual commitment to God. They refused to eliminate the enemy, so then they began to inter-marry, to worship idols, and ended up simply doing what they wanted to do. As a result, God punished them by allowing other countries to come in and defeat them. And right when it looked like all hope is lost, the people cried out to God for help. In His Mercy, God sent a judge (hero) to defeat the enemy. Unfortunately, this rest from war only lasts the lifetime of the Hero before it all starts over Judges 2:18-19. The Book of Judges has a continual cycle of sin, rebellion, consequences, rescue, rest, and repeat. The Hero judges did not provide the needed solution to the sinfulness and idolatry of the people.

What does this have to do with us? How does all this point to Jesus? We have a continual cycle of sin, rebellion, consequences, rescue, rest, and repeat as well. We are often lured away by the temptations and captivity of sin. We are held captive by things like selfishness, pride, greed, jealousy, and many other sins. We’re unable to free ourselves from these things, so we cry out to God for a savior, just like the people of Israel did. The difference is that instead of sending a flawed hero, God sends His perfect Son, Jesus. Jesus delivers us from our sin and captivity. And unlike with the Judges, it’s not temporary. Jesus died for sins once and for all Romans 6:10. Those of us who trust in Him are forever saved. May we each claim that truth today.