Can I

Every time we bring up the game, we always argue as to which rules are best

Judges 17:1-13

Reference: v.6 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit. (TNIV Bible)

Explore: There is a card game I love to play called “Can I”. I was taught how to play by my friend, Karen, and a group of us would get together on a monthly basis to catch up and play “Can I”.  I was so excited to discover that another friend of mine, Amy, also enjoyed the same game.  I was hanging out with Amy and her family one time, and we decided to have a game.  It wasn’t long into the game, however, that I realised there was something terribly wrong.  Amy’s family had tweaked the rules, making the game play very differently to the way I had been taught to play.  As I was with Amy’s family, I was definitely out-numbered, so I had to conform to their way of playing.  However, every time we bring up the “Can I” game, we always argue as to which rules are best.

Application:  Winning a card game – whilst very important! – is not a life or death situation, however, even when the rules of a game change it can create chaos amongst friends.  Imagine how much more chaos would be created if there were no guidelines brought to a whole nation of people and they had no ruling body to govern the land.  It seems that this was the situation in chapter 17 of Judges.  There was no leadership to put in structure for the people and, therefore, people just did whatever they wanted.  As a teenager, this concept always sounded exciting.  As as an adult, I know how important order is.  Many people see religion as a controlling body that doesn’t let you do anything, and yet I find that my faith is a great foundation to a life lived with purpose and hope.

Prayer:  Lord, may I be committed to your laws so that my life has structure and purpose. Amen.

What would happen if you just did as you pleased?

foundation, Judges, rules