The Monday Main Line
Despite the darkness and foolishness of human pride and sin, God sends a rescue at the cost of his firstborn son.
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A few years back, when our kids were little, Morag and I used to make one yearly trip to the cinema — usually around Christmas. For three years running, that trip was dominated by The Hobbit films. Now, I didn’t think The Hobbit needed to be three long, dark movies, but the studio clearly thought otherwise! What was once a children’s tale became something heavy and foreboding.
The book of Judges feels much the same — except the darkness here is real. It’s the story of God’s people spiraling downward, time after time. They disobey God, face judgment, cry out for help, and are rescued — only to rebel again. But it’s not just a cycle; it’s a spiral, growing darker with every turn.
Tonight’s passage (Judges 10–12) captures that perfectly: it’s tragic, sobering, and yet filled with glimpses of grace.
1. God’s Rule Rejected
Judges 10:6 says, “Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord.” There it is — again. Despite all God’s mercy, Israel runs back to the idols of the surrounding nations. The list of false gods is longer than ever; their rebellion is deepening.
And so, as before, God gives them over to the nations they’ve chosen to imitate. For eighteen long years, Israel is shattered and crushed by her enemies.
They reject God’s rule — and He gives them what they’ve asked for: life without Him.
2. God’s Mercy Required
Eventually, the people cry out: “We have sinned against you.” (10:10) But this time, God doesn’t immediately rush to their rescue. Instead, He says, “Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble.”
It’s a chilling response — but a just one. God won’t be mocked by a people who only call on Him when life falls apart. One commentator called this “bomb shelter theology” — turning to God when the bombs drop, but forgetting Him when the skies clear.
And yet, when Israel finally puts away her idols, we read one of the most beautiful lines in Scripture: “He could bear Israel’s misery no longer.” (10:16) God’s heart breaks for His people, even in their sin. And so, once again, He raises up a saviour.
3. God’s Saviour Rejected
Enter Jephthah. A mighty warrior — but the son of a prostitute. His brothers despise him, drive him out, and he gathers a gang of outcasts around him. It’s messy, complicated, and deeply human — typical Judges material.
When the Ammonites attack, Israel suddenly remembers Jephthah’s strength and begs him to return. The parallel with Israel’s treatment of God is striking: they reject him when life is good, then cry out when trouble comes.
Jephthah, like the Lord Himself, could easily say, “Why come to me now?” But grace wins the day — he agrees to lead them.
4. God’s Saviour Required
Jephthah negotiates with the Ammonite king, but war is inevitable. Filled with the Spirit of God, Jephthah prepares for battle — and then, foolishly, makes a rash vow: “If you give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me… I will sacrifice.”
God hadn’t asked for this. Jephthah already had the Spirit’s power; he didn’t need to bargain. Yet God gives victory anyway — a mighty one.
5. A Tragic Salvation for the Foolish and Proud
When Jephthah returns home, his only child — his daughter — comes dancing out to greet him. It’s devastating. In his foolish vow, Jephthah promises to sacrifice her. Scripture makes it clear: this is not God’s will. Israel was explicitly forbidden to offer child sacrifices.
Here is the dark heart of Judges — a man who speaks foolish words, and a people who follow foolish gods. Yet even here, amidst the ruin, there’s a faint reflection of something greater. Salvation, for Jephthah’s people, came at the cost of his only child.
And that points us forward. Not to a rash vow, but to a gracious plan — a plan formed before time began. The Father willingly gave His own Son, His firstborn, as a sacrifice to save proud and foolish people like us.
The cross of Christ is the bright light shining through the darkness of Judges.
Talk Headings
1. God’s Rule Rejected
2. God’s Mercy Required
3. God’s Saviour Rejected
4. God’s Saviour Required
5. A Tragic Salvation for the Foolish and Proud
Series: Judges - Search for a Saviour
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