Judges 19 “Blind Leading...”

Judges 19 – Brandon Hatmaker “Blind Leading the Blind”
Austin New Church – South Austin Cares
Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008

“In those days Israel had no king.” – Judges 19:1

The following verses are simply horrific. Over the next three chapters we see the condition of man and nation without a king, the life that becomes the norm (a Levite taking a concubine, etc.), and the gruesome form of vengeance that results.

Israel needed a king. In our depravity, so do we.

Psalm 72 gives the following purpose for the leader: "May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor" (v. 4). It is a task that is identified as the work of justice (1-3, 7). Leaders in power should deliver the economically weak and guarantee the "rights of the poor" (Amos 5, Jeremiah 21 & 22)

In essence, Biblical leadership acts as and ensures a moral compassing more than anything. Keeping on point the things that are good, pure, and right… the things of God.

Prophecies about the coming Christ continue to develop the picture of the ideal ruler: Isaiah writes that with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth. He will act like a good shepherd, taking responsibility for the needs of the people: "He shall feed them and be their shepherd" (Ezekiel 34:23). Ezekiel 34:4 denounces the failure of the shepherds of Israel to "feed" the people. Throughout the scriptures we see leaders called to restrain evil. (Romans 13)

But just having a leader doesn’t mean they are a good leader. Matthew 15:14, both reminds us and warns us that, “If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

The scriptures are full of stories of oppressive kings and over-powerful, evil leaders and the damage they can do. History shows us that this can be as bad of a situation (if not worse) as not having a leader at all. God's sovereignty challenges all earthly leadership. The Pharisee’s and teachers of the law held governing positions in biblical times. Jesus reminded them regularly that they were missing the mark. At his trial, Jesus directly reminded Pilate and Caesar that their authority came from God. This was in the middle of a time when Roman emperors were claiming to be gods themselves. Jesus reminds them that they are servants of God, not gods.

As leaders, this is a lesson to all of us. It’s a reminder. It’s all about God and our dependence on Him, even more so as we lead others.

Father, I often want to take over and do things my way. That’s a confession of guilt, not a plea. So here is the plea: please give me the strength, the faith, and the desire to trust your ways in all things as I both lead and follow. Amen