Who Decides What is Right or Wrong?

This verse, at the end of the book of Judges, leaves us with an overview of an uncertain security in the nation of Israel at that time. As I reflect on this passage, I cannot help but conclude that these sobering words are surely very pertinent to the world around us today.

When there is no acknowledgement of the need for an arbiter of what is right or wrong, beyond just individual human assessment, we are in dangerous times. The human heart cannot be relied upon to either assess or adhere to a sound code of morality. The Bible clearly tells us that, despite every good intention, our hearts are inherently wicked. The life stance of humanism is that human endeavour alone can achieve human virtue, but history has repeatedly proved otherwise.

Of course, in response to this dilemma, there is some good news! Jesus has come to affirm the importance of the plumb line of morality stated in the word of God. And, more than that, He has offered the possibility for every human being to have a heart change, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to come in line with that plumb line. As He convicts us of God’s assessment of the wrong in our personal lives, we can confess, repent and experience a remarkable transformation of heart attitude.

There was no king to determine justice and morality at the particular time referred to in today’s scripture, and for our world today, we reject the moral plumb line of the King of kings at our peril.

Prayer: Thank You so much, Father, that You have given us, in Your word, a clear guideline of right and wrong, for the wellbeing of the whole of humankind. Thank You also for the opportunity and safety we have been offered for everyone to walk in that pathway of righteousness through their acknowledgement of Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. Father, release a spirit of divine conviction in this troubled world. Amen.