The Book of Judges, though a difficult read, confronts us with the ugly truth of how easily we turn away from God and calls us to acknowledge and confess our own sins instead of ignoring them or destroying others.

Samson is set apart. He has a special diet and ways to groom himself. He is powerful and can defeat those who should be stronger than him. But even though he is blind to the ways of God, God is not blind of him.

Japhthah tragically misunderstands God's nature, thinking that God will only act because of grossly large devotion. But the actual kingdom of God is one of grace and forgiveness that sets us free.

Despite hiding in fear, Gideon becomes God's unlikely instrument for delivering Israel, a reminder that God uses the unassuming to achieve the extraordinary.

When Israel strays, a ruthless warlord named Sisera emerges, leaving a trail of terror.  But hope flickers in the unlikeliest places: God raises up a prophetess named Deborah and a seemingly ordinary woman, Jael, who, together, hold the key to a surprising, victory-clinching act.

This week's judges cycle: we meet Ehud, the crippled lefty who reminds us that God's power shines brightest in weakness.

The book of Judges isn't a straight line but a cycle. Redemption and rebellion echo, reminding us how easily we stray. Prepare to see yourselves in the Israelites' struggles, becoming indistinguishable to the culture around us.