Judges 2

I'm not a very spatially creative person. Whenever I got a new LEGO or K'Nex set, I always followed the instructions by the letter to build the model shown on the front of the box. Eventually, entropy caused the models to fall apart, scattering the pieces among various boxes. Only then would I use all the spare pieces to build something new, but my "creations" were never very complex. I think the most creative thing I managed to do was switch the heads, bodies, and legs of the minifigures, or create an impromptu "totem pole" with various minifigure heads stacked on top of each other.

Thinking outside the instruction booklet has its merits if we're talking about LEGO models or other toys, but in some cases, following the instructions is crucial. If you're driving a car and wanted to avoid hitting the car in front of you, you wouldn't want to slam down on the gas pedal or fiddle with that funny looking stick on the steering column in order to brake, now would you? God's instructions to the Israelites are very clear: Do not break the covenant with the Lord, or He will withdraw His assistance from them.

After Joshua's death, a sad cycle for the Israelites begins: They start worshipping Canaanite idols, God gets pissed and lets the Canaanites pummel Israel, the Israelites whinge, God sends a judge to save His people, the judge dies, and the Israelites restart the cycle by returning "to ways even more corrupt than those of their ancestors" (verse 19). Part of me wants to take the Israelites by their collective shoulders, shake them, and say, "Don't you know the miracles God has performed? Can't you see how much more sucky life is when you don't obey him and how much more awesome it is when you do?" But I know I wouldn't do such a thing, especially as I've never taken anyone by the shoulders and shaken them before.

The author does write that this generation of Israelites "knew neither the LORD nor what He had done for Israel" (verse 10). OK, maybe they hadn't actually witnessed many of God's previous miracles, and perhaps their parents share some of the blame for not providing the proper edification. But these Israelites are responsible for their own choices. They're grown adults. But if one is not diligent about maintaining one's relationship with God, the temptations of this world--ranging from immoral behavior to unproductive, time-wasting pursuits--can potentially prove triumphant.

Although God has not forsaken Israel, their disobedience prompts Him to play less of an active role in fighting Israel's battles: He will not longer drive out the Canaanites themselves (verse 21). Of course, I can't claim to know God's motives, but I do wonder if God has similar reasons for not being as overtly conspicuous today.