In those days there was no king in Israel. (Judges 18:1 ESV)
The Good New Days
Four times in the book of Judges, the author reminds us that ‘in those days there was no king in Israel.” He was not reminding readers of a better time. He was declaring, sorrowfully, that chaos ruled in the land.
The good old days did not happen during the book of Judges.
But by the time the book of Judges was being regularly read by God’s people, there WAS a king. And when we read it now, we know that there IS a King.
A King of kings, in fact.
And because of our Good King, we are in the Good New Days.
Yes, our eyes focus on the remaining chaos, the faltering ethics of modernity, and the decline of culture.
But we have a King! And He is at work every day. His reign is not some future calendric event. His rule is now. His rule is absolute. His rule is amazing. His rule is good.
I could point out the good things about society that we often ignore. I could point out scientific improvements. I could point out the historic trend towards peace, overall, since Christ’s anointing.
But instead I remind us that our King is sovereign, and always at work, doing what is best for us as HE defines it.
If it does not seem like He is sovereign, prayerfully look again. Let the Spirit guide your understanding.
We have a King!