New Deep Study Passage

this week we are studying the book of judges...a book which recounts israel's ongoing cycle of

apathy
compromise
sin
judgement
repentance
renewal
apathy
compromise
sin
judgement
repentance
renewal

we wonder why this happens to them...there is no easy answer...sometimes, we think less of them for being so prone to sin...we convince ourselves that it would be different for us...but, to be honest, i don't think it would be any different for us...bc i don't think it is any different for us, now. we do the same thing as israel does...we just hide it better...or excuse it better...or blame it on something else better.

the last verse of the book says:

"and there was no king in the land and every one did what was right in their own eyes".

in other words without some authority...without a moral authority...people will do what ever they think is best...

for them.

we like to think we'd do best for others (and maybe we do sometimes...)...but in the end, it's self preservation...that is natural. we do what we like...what feels good...what brings us pleasure...what makes life convenient for us

regardless of how it effects others.

that's what happened in the days of the judges...and that is what happens now.

the second part of the deep study passage comes from Psalm 51...david's repentence song after he was exposed as a adulterer/liar/murderer:

Psalms 51:4 (NLT)
4 Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.

we have to admit our propensity for selfishness...whether it's cutting in line, or going out and stealing/lying/killing...

and until you square yourself up against the real Moral Authority (Who doesn't have much to do with jerry falwell and company)...you'll always do what's best...

for you.