Jesus: Saviour, Judge, King
This is the fourteenth study in a series of studies about shadows in scripture

And when the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for the Lord was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who oppressed them and harassed them.
Judges 2:18 (NKJV)

Joshua had reminded the people of the covenant they made with God, warning them what a future separated from God would look like, “If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, then He will turn and do you harm and consume you, after He has done you good.” (Joshua 24:20). The book of Judges, covering over 400 years, details a turbulent and often dismal history where the people lurched from rebellion, idol worship, oppression, repenting, and begging God to save them, all interspersed by periods of peace, governed by a God-appointed judge.

Those physical judges who, humanly accomplished much, but whose work was quickly forgotten, nevertheless were hinting at the promise of a future Saviour whose work would not be forgotten. Righteousness would finally and permanently be restored. God, in his mercy, raised up judges to rescue his people from oppression they had brought on themselves. When the people, ‘…cried out to the Lord…’ The Lord was always there, listening and watching, with continuing compassion. At one point when the people were oppressed we are told, ‘…His [God’s] soul could no longer endure the misery of Israel.’ (Judges 10:16). 

Twelve judges are found in the book, most notably Gideon, Deborah and Samson. All twelve together create a picture of the restoration of a people which is finally and completely accomplished through the redemptive work of Christ. The Apostle Paul writes of, ‘…the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom’ (2 Timothy 4:1).

It is not surprising that Christ’s ministry was interpreted through this history. It explains the entry into Jerusalem, the sword one disciple had hidden during that last Passover meal – ready for the battle ahead. The overthrow of Roman oppressors was a real possibility, but when the sword was used to wound, Jesus immediately underlined the difference between this event and those past military conquests. He reached out to heal the wounded, signalling a different approach: redemption, yes, but not through the failed route of human battles with their misery and slaughter.

Each of the judges was chosen by God. Samson was chosen before his birth. Sometimes they were not the obvious choice – Gideon described himself as the ‘least’ in his family. Deborah was a woman in a patriarchal society. God spoke with each of them, guiding and encouraging as they fought to return the people to recognising their God. And the angel was there in Gethsemane, encouraging Christ through His agony. 

Christ told his disciples that he could have chosen the way of war – but he didn’t. (Matthew 26:53).

Prayer
Thank you, our God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that you are there fighting our battles for us, listening to us, and guiding us. Help us to hear your word more clearly. Amen.

Study by Maggie Mitchell

About the writer:
Maggie Mitchell attends the Market Harborough congregation of Grace Communion International

Local congregation:
GCI Market Harborough
9 The Point
Rockingham Road
Market Harborough
LE16 7QU

Meeting time:
Sunday 4.00 pm

Local congregational contact:
Sinead Henderson
Email: sinead.henderson@gracecom.church

Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church