Moral Chaos

I praise you this evening, that we would just be able to proclaim that. Everything that we would sing, the praises that you just gave. In my troubled sea, yes you won't.

Questions your truth will hold. Your great love we send my troubled sea, oh. You are the peace in my troubled sea, you sure, you sure.

Never fails and never fails and never runs out of shape. Washing over all our sin with selfless faith, with selfless faith.

Show me the provisions that you give to us every single day, Lord. I just pray that we would intentionally not take the things that you give us for granted, God. But that we would know that you are a good father watching over us all the time. God, I just pray that as Ryan opens up your world. God, I just pray that it would be the guiding light in our life. That we could know 100% without a doubt that we're listening to your voice, God.

Through the words that you've given to us. I just pray this in your name.

Good evening. If you would, open up in the book of Judges. In your Bibles to the book of Judges chapter 19. Judges chapter 19. Well, as we've said before. In the Old Testament, we're told that these things were written down for our instruction. And so, sometimes when we look at the Old Testament, we learn what God wants us to do. And lessons that we can learn, examples that we can follow.

And then sometimes we come across exactly what we should not do. And that's what Judges chapters 19 through 21 are all about. It's what we should not do. We said as we came into the last section, starting in chapter 17. That it was really sort of an addendum to the book of Judges. We went out of historical order. Really, our time of the Judges themselves was over.

And it was more about the history of the nation of Israel. And what it was like for them to live without a king. And everyone doing that which was right in their own eyes. And so, last week we looked at religious chaos. Because within the nation, that's exactly what was going on. There was religious chaos that was taking place. Well, tonight we look at a story of what we'll call moral chaos.

Chaos that was going on within the nation. So, there's three parts to this. We're going to look at the sin of Gibeah. The war with Benjamin. And then rebuilding a tribe. And so, we start off in chapter 19 verse 1. And this is what it says. Now, it came about in those days when there was no king in Israel. That there was a certain Levite staying in a remote part of the hill country of Ephraim.

Who took a concubine for himself from Bethlehem. In Judah. But his concubine played the harlot against him. And she went away from him to her father's house. In Bethlehem. In Judah. And was there for a period of about four months. Then her husband arose and went after her. To speak tenderly to her. In order to bring her back. Taking with him his servant. And a pair of donkeys.

So, she brought him into her father's house. And when the girl's father saw him. He was glad to meet him. Now, as it begins. There was no king in Israel. And we're reminded that people, unfortunately, were doing that which was right in their own eyes. Interestingly enough, we come across another story about a Levite. This is not the same Levite from chapters 17 and 18.

Even though there are some similarities. This is a different guy. It's a different story from the one that we dealt with last week. But this Levite already had an issue. Because he had a concubine. Which is basically a glorified mistress. That was married. To him. But didn't have all of the same rights as a wife. And I want to say one quick thing about this.

While we read stories of this taking place in the Bible. God is very good to show us. How when man does not follow God's intended purpose for marriage. Which is one man and one woman. For life. There are far reaching consequences that are dealt with. Some of those consequences we see take place here tonight. In these chapters. Because had this Levite been obeying God.

The way that he was supposed to. And only had one wife for himself. This entire story would not have taken place. And so he has this concubine. And she leaves him. Plays the harlot. Goes off and runs after her own way. For a period of about four months. And after about four months he decided that he missed her. And so he went and pursued her. And found her at her father's house.

And says he spoke tenderly to her. So in that way he did exactly what he was supposed to. And of course the father. Welcomed him in. So in verse four it says this. His father-in-law. The girl's father. Detained him. And he remained with him three days. So that they ate and they drank. And they lodged there. Now on the fourth day they got up early in the morning.

And he prepared to go. The girl's father said to his son-in-law. Sustain yourself with a piece of bread. And afterward you may go. So both of them sat down and ate and drank together. The girl's father said to the man. Please be willing to spend the night. And let your heart be merry. The man arose. But his father-in-law urged him. So he spent the night there again.

On the fifth day he arose to go early in the morning. And the girl's father said. Please sustain yourself. And wait until the afternoon. So they ate. When the man arose to go along with his concubine and servant. His father-in-law. The girl's father said. Behold the day has drawn to a close. Please spend the night. The day is coming to an end. Then tomorrow you may arise early for your journey.

So that you may go home. But the man was not. Willing to spend the night. So he arose. And he departed. And he came to the place opposite of Jebus. That is Jerusalem. And there were with him a pair of saddled donkeys. And his concubine also. When they were near Jebus. The day almost was gone. And the servant said to his master. Please come. And let us turn aside into this city of the Jebusites.

And spend the night in it. However his master said to him. We will not turn aside into a city of foreigners. Who are not of the sons of Israel. But we will go as far as Gibeah. He said to his servant. Come and let us approach one of these places. And we will spend the night in Gibeah or Ramah. So they passed along and went their way. And the sun set on them near Gibeah.

Which belongs to Benjamin. And they turned aside there. And went in to enter and lodge in Gibeah. And when they entered. They sat down in the open square of the city. For no one took them into his house. To spend the night. So it's time for them to head home. He spoke tenderly to his. Wife and she decided to go home with him. But the father-in-law delayed them.

He'd already stayed there three days. Kept him two more days. And finally he said. Dude we got to go. We got to get home. You know there's things that need to be done. So they left late in the day. And first of all they came to Jebus. Which was still a Jebusite city at that point in time. We know of it as Jerusalem. And they said let's stay here. It's getting really late.

And he said no, no, no, no. We're not going to stay in the land of foreigners. We'll go on to Gibeah. To the land of the Benjamites. That way we know it's essentially family. That we're going to be staying with. Those of them. In the house of Israel. So that's what they did. They came to Gibeah. And they lodged there. But they had to stay in the open square.

Because hospitality apparently was not being exercised in Gibeah. The way that it was supposed to. And so we come to verse 16. It says.

The old man said. Where are you going? And where do you come from? He said. We're passing from Bethlehem and Judah. To the remote part of the hill country of Ephraim. For I am from there. And I went to Bethlehem and Judah. But I'm going now to my house. And no man will take me in. There's both straw and fodder for our donkeys. Also bread and wine for me. Your maid servant.

And young man who is with your servants. There's no lack of anything. The old man said. Peace to you. Only let me take care of all your needs. However. Do not. Spend the night in the open square. So he took him into his house. And gave the donkeys fodder. And they washed their feet. And they ate. And they drank. So far this seems like it's going pretty well for him.

Found a nice old man that was going to take him in. Feels like a Disney story at this point in time. Right? Found a nice old man that took him in. And said. You don't want to stay in the open square tonight. Come lodge with me. But while they were there. Verse 22. They were celebrating. Behold the men of the city. Certain worthless men. And those fellows. Surrounded the house.

Pounding the door. They spoke to the owner of the house. The old man saying. Bring out the man who came into your house. That we may have relations with him. Then the man. The owner of the house. Went out to them. And said to them. No my fellows. Please do not act so wickedly. Since this man has come into my house. Do not commit this act of folly. Here's my virgin daughter.

And his concubine. Please. Please let me bring them out to you. That you may ravish them. And do to them whatever you wish. But do not commit such an act. Of folly. Against this man. But the men would not listen to him. So the man seized his concubine. And brought her out to them. And they raped her. And they abused her all night. Until the morning. Then let her go.

At the approach of dawn. As the day began to dawn. The woman came. And fell down at the doorway. Of the man's house. Where her master was. Until daylight. And when her master arose. In the morning. And opened the doors of the house. And went out to go on his way. Then behold. His concubine was lying. At the doorway of the house. With her hands on the threshold.

He said to her. Get up. And let us go. But there was no answer. He placed her on the donkey. The man arose. And went to his home. This is a tragic scene. We've seen this before though. Haven't we? We saw this back in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. Isn't it interesting that God judged Sodom and Gomorrah. For the exact same thing that's taking place here. Don't worry.

God's going to deal with the city of Gibeah. Through the hand of the Israelites. But what an unfortunate scene. That we see take place. What kind of men. Offer women. For their own protection. I'll tell you the kind of men that do that. The kind of men that live in our generation. That offer women. For their own protection. Because there's nothing new under the sun.

And while this story is horrific in nature. We see very similar things taking place in our world today. Where we fail to see men. Step up. And be men. This is exactly what happens. And so. As the tragedy is unfolded. I don't even want to read the words again. Unfortunately. This concubine. Is killed. We come to verse 29. And it says. And when he entered his house.

He took a knife. And he laid hold of his concubine. And cut her in 12 pieces. Limb by limb. And sent her throughout the territory. Of Israel. And all who saw it said. Nothing like this has ever happened. Or been seen from the day. When the sons of Israel came up from the land of Egypt. To this day. Consider it. Take counsel. And speak up. Now I'm not the writer of the book of Judges.

And I'm not going to say. That the writer of the book of Judges did anything wrong. But there seemed like a really good spot. To put in again. There was no king in Israel. And everyone did that which was right. In his own eyes. A horrific moment. For the nation of Israel. A horrific moment for the people. That God had called. To be his own holy people. But in the same shock.

And awe that you feel in your heart. After reading it. That was the shock and awe that went through. The nation of Israel. When they saw what happened. And notice how they respond in chapter 20. It says. Then all the sons of Israel. From Dan to Beersheba. Including the land of Gilead came out. And the congregation assembled. As one man to the Lord at Mizpah.

The chiefs of all the people. Even all the tribes of Israel. Took their stand in the assembly. Of the people of God. 400,000 foot soldiers who drew the sword. Now the sons of Benjamin heard. That the sons of Israel had gone to Mizpah. The sons of Israel said. Tell us how this wickedness took place. So the Levite. The husband of the woman who was murdered. Answered and said.

I came with my concubine. To spend the night at Gibeah. Which belongs to Benjamin. But the men of Gibeah arose against me. And surrounded the house. And they intended to kill me. And instead. They ravished my concubine. So that she died. Now we call that revisionist. History. Because he did not include the fact. That he was the one that threw her out there.

And unfortunately that's what we do. When we try to cover our sin. It says in verse 6. And I took hold of my concubine. And I cut her in pieces. And sent her throughout the land. For they have committed a lewd and disgraceful act. In Israel. Behold all you sons of Israel. Give your advice and counsel here. And all the people arose as one man. Saying not one of us will go to his tent.

Nor will one of us return to his house. But now this is the thing. Which we will do to Gibeah. We will go up against it by lot. And we will take ten men of a hundred. Throughout the tribes of Israel. And one hundred of a thousand. And a thousand of ten thousand. To supply food for the people. That when they come to Gibeah of Benjamin. They may punish them. For all the disgraceful acts.

That they have committed in Israel. Thus all the men of Israel were gathered against the city. United as one man. Then the tribes of Israel sent men. Throughout the entire tribe of Benjamin. Saying what is this wickedness. Wickedness that has taken place among you. Deliver up the men. The worthless fellows in Gibeah. That we may put them to death. And remove this wickedness from Israel.

But the sons of Benjamin would not listen. To the voice of their brothers in Israel. Then the sons of Benjamin gathered. From the cities to Gibeah. To go out to battle against the sons of Israel. From the cities on that day. The sons of Benjamin were numbered. Twenty six thousand men. Who drew the sword. Besides the inhabitants of Gibeah. Who were numbered seven hundred.

And out of all these people. Seven hundred choice men were left handed. Each one could sling a stone and a hair. And not miss. And the men of Israel besides Benjamin. Were numbered four hundred thousand men. Who drew the sword. All these were men of war. Now the good thing. The bright spot here. If there is a bright spot here. Is that the children of Israel responded.

The way that they should have. They said this sin needs to be dealt with. These men. Need to be dealt with. We can applaud them for that. That when they saw such wickedness in the land. They said it has to be dealt with. And so they gathered an army. And they did a wise thing to begin with. They approached the men of Gibeah. And they said we're going to give you a choice.

Either we're going to war. Or you give us the men who have done this. And we will punish the men who did this thing. Now if things were handled properly. By the inhabitants of Gibeah. They should have given up the men who had committed the crime. So that the crime could be dealt with. So that the sin could be. Dealt with. And then everyone would have moved on peacefully.

But again. Men don't always act like men. And in this instance. That's what took place. They said no. We don't think we're going to do that. We're not going to give up these men. After all we feel like we're pretty open minded. About the way that they've handled things. And so we'll let them continue to dwell among us. Now again. Before we look at the people of Gibeah.

And say. How could they do that? I think we should. We should first take a look at the Western culture church today. And how much of the church lives in sin. And the fact that. Very few people are willing. To deal with the sin. And because of that. Men have stopped acting. Like men. And so the children of Israel decide to gather for war against them. Now we're given an interesting commentary about.

Benjamin. 26,000 warriors. 700 of which were left handed. And could use a sling. In about the most precise way possible. So they were men who were great. Warriors. As a matter of fact one of those famous left handed men. Not necessarily in this instance. But one of the famous left handed men of Benjamin. Was a guy by the name of Ehud. Who will later become a judge.

Of the nation of Israel. So they gather for war against these men. It says in verse 18. Now the sons of Israel. Went up to Bethel. And inquired of God and said. Who shall go up first for us. To battle against the sons of Benjamin. The Lord said. Judah shall go first. So the sons of Israel arose. In the morning and they camped against Gibeah. Then the men of Israel.

Went out to battle against Benjamin. The men of Israel arrayed for battle. Against them at Gibeah. Then the sons of Benjamin came out. And they fell to the ground that day. 22,000. Men of Israel. But the people. The men of Israel encouraged themselves. And arrayed for battle again. In the place where they had arrayed themselves. The first day. They went up and they wept before the Lord.

Until evening. And inquired of the Lord saying. Shall we again draw near for battle. Against the sons of my brother Benjamin. And the Lord said go up against him. Then the sons of Israel came up against the sons of Benjamin. The second day. And Benjamin went out against them from Gibeah. The second day. And fell to the ground. All of these drew the sword. Then all the sons of Israel.

And all the people went up. And came to Bethel. And wept. And thus they remained there before the Lord. And fasted that day until evening. And they offered burnt offerings. And peace offerings. To the Lord. And the sons of Israel. Inquired of the Lord. For the ark of the covenant of God. Was there in those days. The son of Eleazar Aaron's son stood before it.

To minister in those days saying. Shall I yet again go to battle. Against the sons of my brother Benjamin. Or shall I cease. And the Lord said. Go up for tomorrow. I will deliver them into your hand. What on earth. Just took place here. So they handled it correctly now right. They went to the Lord. And they said should we go to battle. It's a great thing to do.

Before you go to battle. You better make sure that God's hand is in it. And it's not just your idea. And God says yes go to battle. They said who gets to go first. Who's the tribe that's going to lead us into battle. God said Judah's going to lead you into battle. Now God told them to go to battle. And God told them who was to lead them into battle. And what happened in the first battle.

22,000 men of Israel. Not Benjamin. Israel were killed. Now wait a second. God told them to go to battle. God told them who was to lead in battle. Well they weren't going to let that deter them. They wept before the Lord. And they went again and said Lord. Do you want us to go to battle. And God said yes I want you to go to battle. Go again. And they went again a second time.

And how many people of the men of Israel. Not Benjamin were killed. 18,000. That's a bunch of people that were killed. Why on earth. Would God tell them to go to battle. If he was only going to see them defeated. In battle. I have two answers for you. Number one. I have no idea. God's ways are not our ways. I love listening to Chuck Smith teach on this. Because that's the exact same thing that he said.

He said I can't always explain. Why God does things the way that he does them. Because in the moment. It doesn't make sense. And I don't know about you. But there's been a lot of times in my life. Where I've thought. Lord I'm following you. I'm doing what you want me to do. I'm doing what you told me to do. And why is this what's happening now. Why am I seeing this difficulty.

Why am I seeing this hurt. Why am I. Why is it this hard. If I'm doing what you've called me to do. Sometimes he answers. Sometimes he doesn't. Because God's ways are beyond our ways. They are beyond. God's ways are not our ways. They are beyond our finding out. The secret things. Belong to the Lord. And the revealed things. Belong to us. So there are certain things that come about in life.

That on this side of eternity. May never make sense to us. But God is still in control. And all we can do is rest. In the fact that he knows what's best. But can I tell you. That there may actually be a reason. Why God allowed Israel. To fall into defeat. Before he could bring victory. Do you notice the two things. That they did. The things that they did. Both times that they were defeated.

They wept before the Lord. And they sought the Lord. And then the second time. Do you notice what they did. They wept. And they sought the Lord. And they fasted. And they offered sacrifice. Can we for just a moment understand. That sometimes God brings defeat into our life. Because what he really wants to bring into our life. Is revival. Is a brokenness. And a complete dependence upon him.

And yet we fight against it. With every fiber of our being. Do you ever notice that about us. As human beings. We don't like to be broken. We want everything to work right the first time. We want to be guaranteed success. The very first time. And what happens when the first time there's not success. Instead you see defeat. Do you just give up. Do you know what you want me to do.

Because man that hurt really bad. I don't know if I want to do this again. Yeah I want you to do it again. Lord it hurt again. I don't know if I want to do this again. Yeah keep going. But this time let that revival do its work. In your heart. Isn't it an unfortunate truth about us. That the only time revival takes place. Is when we finally come to the end of ourselves.

When we've seen so much defeat. When we've seen so much heartache. When we've seen so much hurt. That all we can do is just simply look at the Lord. And say God. You have to move. Because if you don't. Nothing else will. And that's where they are. They're in a place of being completely. Broken. Before the Lord. And God said this time. I'll bring victory. So notice what happens.

It says in verse. 29. So Israel. Set men in ambush around Gibeah. The sons of Israel went up against. The sons of Benjamin on the third day. And arrayed themselves in Gibeah. As at other times. The sons of Benjamin went out against the people. And were drawn away from the city. And they began to strike and kill some of the people. As at other times. On the highways.

One of which goes up to Bethel. And the other to Gibeah. In the field about 30 men of Israel. Came down before us. Just like before. But the sons of Israel said let us flee. That we may draw them away from the city to the highways. Then all the men of Israel arose from their place. And they arrayed themselves. At Baal Tamar. The men of Israel in ambush broke out of their place.

Even to that place. When 10,000 choice men. From all Israel came against Gibeah. The battle became fierce. Benjamin did not know. That disaster was close to them. The Lord struck Benjamin. Before Israel. So that the sons of Israel destroyed 25,100. Men of Benjamin that day. All who drew the sword. So the sons of Benjamin saw. That they were defeated. When the men of Israel gave ground to Benjamin.

Because they relied on men in ambush. Who made set against Gibeah. The men in ambush hurried. And rushed against Gibeah. The men in ambush also deployed. And struck all the city with the edge of the sword. The appointed sign between the men of Israel. And the men in ambush. The men of Israel turned in battle. And Benjamin began to strike. And kill about 30 men of Israel.

For they said surely. They are defeated before us. But when the cloud began to rise. From the city in a column of smoke. Benjamin looked behind him. And behold the whole city was going up in smoke to heaven. The men of Israel turned. And the men of Benjamin were terrified. For they saw the disaster was close. Therefore they turned their backs. Before the men of Israel.

But the battle overtook them. While those who came out of the cities. Destroyed them in the midst of them. And they surrounded Benjamin. Pursued them without rest. And trod them down opposite Gibeah. To where the men of Benjamin. Thus 18,000 men of Benjamin fell. All who were valiant warriors. The rest turned and fled. To the rock of Ramon. But they caught 5,000 of them on the highways.

And overtook them. And killed 2,000 of them. Of those who fell that day. Were 25,000. But 600 men turned. And fled toward the wilderness. To the rock of Ramon. And they remained at the rock of Ramon. Four months. The men of Israel turned back against the sons of Benjamin. Struck them with the edge of the sword. Both the entire city with all the cattle. And all they found.

They also set on fire all the cities. Which they found. So God ultimately brought victory. To the nation of Israel. But they have gone a little too far. Notice what it says in chapter 21 verse 1. Now the men of Israel. Had sworn in Mizpah saying. None of us shall give his daughter. To Benjamin in marriage. So the people came to Bethel. And sat there before God until evening.

And lifted up their voices and wept bitterly. And they said why oh Lord God of Israel. Has this come about in Israel. So the one tribe should be missing today. Came about the next day. That the people arose early and built an offer. And offered burnt offerings. And peace offerings. And so they mourned over what had taken place. Because not only because they had wiped out most of a tribe.

All but about 600. But also now they were going to potentially be missing an entire tribe. Because there was no one for them to marry. Because now they had made this vow. No one of the nation of Israel could give their wife. Or could give their daughter. To any of the sons of Benjamin as a wife. So what are they going to do? Verse 5. They come up with a terrible plan.

Because there was no king in Israel. Which was right in their own eyes. I added that part. It's not right there. Verse 5. Then the sons of Israel said. Who is there among all the tribes of Israel. Who did not come up in the assembly to the Lord. For they had taken a great oath concerning him. Who did not come to the Lord at Mizpah. Saying he shall surely be put to death.

The sons of Israel were sorry. And they said one tribe has cut off from Israel today. What shall we do for the wives. For those who are left. Verse 8. For when the people were numbered. Behold not one of the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead. Was there. So the congregation sent twelve thousand. Of the valiant warriors there. And they commanded them saying go and strike.

The inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead. With the edge of the sword. The women and the little ones. This is the one thing you shall do. Destroy every man and every woman. Who is laying with a man. And they found among the inhabitants. Four hundred young virgins. Who had not known a man by lying with him. And brought them to the camp at Shiloh. Which is in the land of Canaan.

The whole congregation sent word. They spoke to the sons of Benjamin. Who were at the rock of Ramon. And proclaimed peace to them. Benjamin returned and they gave them the women. Who had they had kept alive. From the women of Jabesh Gilead. Yet there were not enough for them. Now I want you to take note of this. So they are like who is going to marry these men.

I know. We will destroy the one city that didn't come and help us. The sons of Benjamin. Do you know one thing I noticed is lacking in chapter 21. They never sought the Lord. Do you notice that? I don't see them saying Lord what do you want us to do. They wept before the Lord. But they didn't seek the Lord. And so they came up with a terrible plan. Of wiping out an entire city.

And giving their daughters to the people of Benjamin. Only the problem was there was only 400. There are still 200 guys that don't have a girl. So notice what it says in verse 15. The people were sorry for Benjamin. Because the Lord had made a breach in the tribes of Israel. And the elders of the congregation said. What shall we do for the wives. For those who are left.

Since the women are destroyed out of Benjamin. They said there must be an inheritance. For the survivors of Benjamin. So that a tribe will not be blotted out from Israel. We can't give them our wives. Or our daughters. For the sons of Israel had sworn saying there was a curse. So they said behold. There is a feast of the Lord from year to year in Shiloh. Which is on the north side of Bethel.

On the east side of the highway. That goes up from Bethel to Shechem. They commanded the sons of Benjamin saying. Go and lie in wait in the vineyards. And watch and behold. If the daughters of Shiloh. Come out to take part in any of the dances. You shall come out of the vineyards. And each of you shall catch his wife. It's a terrible idea. Catch his wife from the daughters of Shiloh.

Go kidnap yourself a wife. What a dumb idea. And it shall come about. When their fathers of their brothers come to complain to us. Which undoubtedly was going to happen. We'll say give them to us voluntarily. Because we did not take for each man of Benjamin. A wife in battle. Nor did you give them to them. Else you would now be guilty. And so the sons of Benjamin did so.

And they took wives according to their number. From those who danced. Whom they carried away. And they went and returned to their inheritance. And they rebuilt the cities and they lived in them. The sons of Israel departed from there at that time. Every man to his own tribe. And family. And each one of them went out from there to his inheritance. And there it is.

In those days. There was no king in Israel. And everyone did that which was right. In his own. What a crazy story. What a crazy way to end an incredibly crazy book. So I was thinking about this. And praying about this today. And obviously God has reasons he puts these things in. So I'm going to come up with some takeaways. Not only from this story. But ultimately five takeaways from the book of Judges itself.

Because as we wrap up a book. That sometimes you wish you hadn't read. It sort of drags you through the garbage. It's like watching an episode of CSI. And Chicago PD all wrapped into one. Only without all of the flair. And so by the time you're done. You're like what did I just read? But remember all these things were written for our instruction. Sometimes so that we will know what to do.

Sometimes that we will know what not to do. And so as I was thinking back through all of our stories in the book of Judges. Including these last couple of stories here. I came up with five takeaways. Some of these are repeats from things that we've gone over. Some of these are things that we've learned. Some of these are repeats from things that we've gone over.

Throughout the book of Judges. But five takeaways that I think we should pay attention to. That we can learn from the book of Judges. Number one. Sin. Has to be dealt with. Sin has to be dealt with. And it's for a couple of reasons. Sin does not get better on its own. Have you ever noticed that? Sin doesn't just get better on its own. So my oldest daughter had to have this knee surgery.

And so when she got injured. Popped that thing. And it was a bad deal. And we were like oh man. I think something serious is wrong. So she goes and she gets the MRI. And they tell us yup. You have a torn ACL. Partially torn meniscus. You better go see the surgeon. And the surgeon was great. Because he's a super laid back guy. And just not real hyped up at all.

And that's just a really good thing in that situation. So he pulls up this picture of her knee on there. And he says. That used to be her ACL. And so it's completely torn there. And see this over here. That's where her meniscus should be. And we can see the partial tear of that meniscus. And he said. You need to know something. A fully torn ACL will never heal itself.

It has to be surgically repaired. And all I could think to myself was. That's the dumbest statement I've ever heard. Of course it can't repair itself. I know that. I'm not a doctor. It's never going to heal itself. But do you know why he had to tell us that? Because I know how most people are. Most people would be like. Won't that just take care of itself? Because I'm that kind of a person.

I don't like to go to doctors. I don't like to get things taken care of. I like to be like. That'll probably heal itself at some point in time. Like the joke that my daughters used to always make. And my wife. Is that every time the doctor would tell me something else was maybe not quite as good as it should be. Whether it's blood pressure or whatever. I would look up another piece of fruit in these fruit smoothies.

And so I would look up another piece of fruit that I should put in the smoothie. And so I would always be like. Oh it's okay. I put this in my smoothie. And so they make fun of me all the time for it. Because I don't want to actually deal with anything. I just want to put another piece of fruit in my smoothie. They're like. Dad you can't solve that with another piece of fruit in your smoothie.

Right? Because it won't take care of itself. And while that's kind of a funny thing to think about. That's what we often times try to do with sin. Right? That's where our relationship used to be. And now it's completely severed. That won't repair itself. It's going to have to be surgically repaired. And I'm the only surgeon that can deal with it. Because sin.

Has to be dealt with. It reminds me of a second thing that's true. About sin. If we are to deal with sin. It will require brokenness. And repentance. It will require brokenness. And repentance. Again. Things that we don't like to deal with. In our lives. Is brokenness. But apart from that. We never realize that we need. Repentance. We fight against brokenness in every way that we possibly can.

We try to make ourselves feel better. We try to make ourselves look a little bit better. We put on the right face. When really what God is saying is. If you'll line yourself up. With what my spirit is doing inside of you. Because ultimately. Brokenness is just agreeing with what God. Already knows. It's just getting ourselves on the same page. That God is already on.

Aligning ourselves with the word of the holy spirit. If we will allow brokenness. To do it's work in our lives. Then it will always lead us to repentance. See brokenness. Is not something that comes about. saved it's ultimately a place that we live in our lives because we live in a place of constantly being broken before the lord with the understanding that the only ones who can approach the lord are

those who are of a broken or crushed spirit and a contrite heart because the only way that i will begin to repent is if i am first broken over my sin and then of course it requires repentance i have to ultimately decide i just don't want to do that anymore i don't want to keep doing that anymore because it just hurts too bad brothers and sisters the first lesson that we learn from the book of judges is that sin has to be dealt with the second thing that we learn from the book of judges and i talked about this last week but it can't be said enough is that god's word must be the standard upon which our lives are built god's word must be the standard upon which our lives are built you ever noticed how many of

these stories in the book of judges would have been avoided if they had just done what god said to do the first time have you ever noticed how much heartache in our lives are avoided if we just do what god says to do the first time because when we build our lives on the truth of god's word we avoid all of the pain that's in the world and that's what we can't get people to understand most people view god's word as restrictive i view god's word as freeing because we can't get people to understand that we can't get people to understand that we can't because now if i follow what god's word has to say i am free from the consequences of sin i am free from the guilt of sin i am free from the shame of sin i am free from the fear that goes along with

it because god's word sets me free to be who god has called for me to be it sets me free to live in the joy of the obedience that the holy spirit can produce in my life because i can go back and say but god's word says this and i know that if i go against what god's word has to say it's going to lead to destruction so god's word has to be the standard upon which our lives are built it can't be built upon my own good works it can't be built upon my own ideas it can't be built upon my own righteousness it can't be built on the traditions of man it has to be built on god's word and if i am to know exactly what god wants for me to do i can't just dream about it or think about it i need to go back and see what he says to do

god's word must be the standard upon which our lives are built number three you will either surrender to god or you will surrender to sin you will either surrender to god or you will surrender to sin it's a choice that we make every day in our lives every day you wake up and you start to make choices believe it or not actually you're getting out of bed first choice that you make right it's because sometimes you're like oh i'm not going to make choices i'm going to make choices nope not today nope still have to do it because i have to pay those crazy bills so i probably get out of bed right but your life is filled with choices then those choices fall into two categories

surrendering to god or surrendering to sin and those are ultimately the only two choices that you have you will do one or the other and if you don't surrender to god you're choosing to surrender to sin there's no happy middle ground i read this beautiful quote by philip yancey and it says this whole thing about choosing to obey god was it philip yancey was it warren weirsby now i can't remember don't quote the author but he said every day i choose every day i choose to follow god with all of my heart i choose to serve him in the way that i live i choose to obey what his word has to say i choose to follow him wholeheartedly i choose to be the man that god wants me to be and if there is a time when i fail

i will fall back on his grace knowing that by his mercy i will be renewed the next morning to return to make the choice again and that's who we are we make those choices and ultimately you're the only one that can choose no one can do it for you you'll either surrender to god or you'll surrender to sin number four we need men who will lead i don't think this can be overstated i could say this in every single sermon that i preach and i still won't say it enough because in our culture today we need men who will lead and it's not just that we need young men who who will lead we need all men who will lead we need men who will do hard things make hard choices and truly be leaders i

had a conversation with a wonderful group of young ladies the other night and it's actually been a couple weeks back now and in this group of young ladies we're talking about the boys that they have to deal with all the time and they said pastor ryan where are the men we're around boys all the time we're around boys who only care about one thing we're around boys who don't know how to stand up and stand for what's right we're around boys who don't know how to follow god we're around boys who don't care about god's word they don't even know how to really ask a girl out on a date that is thoughtful and respectful there are no men where are the men and all i could say was i don't know because right now we have a shortage of men

in the world men who will really stand up and say this is what's right and this is what's wrong and i'm going to stand on it and i'm going to teach other young men what it looks like to be a man what it looks like to really love a woman what it looks like to really care for a family what it looks like to go to work every day even though i don't want to even though sometimes there are days i do not want to lace up my work boots and go because i hate what i do but you know what i have a family to take care of and gosh darn it i'm doing it we need men and there aren't very many of them in the world right now and the only way that things are going to change in our world is

if men will be godly men and really lead in our world there's a fascinating quote by harrison butker who's the kicker for the kansas city chiefs and now i don't agree with him on all of this theology because he's a catholic but he's right on this one thing and he's right on this one thing they tried to ask him after the shooting took place in kansas city at the super bowl parade they they tried to get him pinned down to talk about guns and say that guns are the problem and he said i can't agree with that guns are not the problem the problem is that men don't lead anymore the problem is that that men won't actually be men anymore and stand up and teach young boys what it looks like to be a man

and listen we'll teach them a whole lot more by our example than we ever will by our words we need men who will stand up and lead we need men who will be men and fellas i'm talking to all of us right now because we can talk about everybody else in the world all that we want to but of the people sitting in here of the people watching online right now we need to understand until we decide that i'm going to stand up and be a man i can't require you to stand up and be a man i can't require you to stand up and be a man i'm not required of anybody else until it starts here and i'm willing to start discipling other men and it can't i can't ever hold anybody else accountable to that

it has to start with me it has to start with you we need men who will lead and then number five and this has really resonated in my mind the more i thought about it there's only one true deliverer and that's jesus the book of judges is filled with great fellas who did good work but they were all flawed they they were all individuals who had weaknesses therefore they could never truly eternally deliver the nation of israel because the nation of israel still found themselves falling back into the cycle of sin why because that deliverer was imperfect he was only a picture of a deliverer that was to come and that's jesus you see there's only one true deliverer because that's what the word judge

actually means it means the deliverer of the world and that's jesus the book of judges is filled with deliverer there's only one true deliverer and that's jesus christ because he is the only one who can break the cycle of sin he's the only one who can break the cycle of sin in our lives he did it by dying on a cross and shedding his blood for us and then rising again not only guaranteeing that my sins will be covered but that i will have everything that i need to live as god has called me to live because as i was united with him in his death therefore forgiven of my sins so i am united with him in his life therefore given the resurrection power of jesus

christ to live as he has called me to live because there's only one true deliverer and that's jesus it's not any person it's not any system it's not any group it's not the president either the one that's just president now or the one that wants to be president at the end of the year it's only jesus he's the one true deliverer that can break the cycle of sin so brothers and sisters make sure that you come to jesus amen let's all pray father i thank you that you have blessed us with these stories as hard as they are to read sometimes lord you've blessed us with them because they remind us of just how much we need you and so lord would you be with us as we go out from this place father would your word sink deeply into our hearts and

begin to change the fabric of who we are father would we look to you as our one true place of deliverance the one person who can truly break the cycle of sin in my life lord would you strengthen us to be who you've called for us to be to lead as you have called us to lead and lord may revival begin in each heart that is broken before you and father we pray these things in jesus name amen be blessed