Judges: Spiritual Siestas
June 2025
Summer is a time to scale back, slow down, enjoy naps in the sun~ good stuff! But what happens when we take spiritual siestas? The book of Judges traces Israel’s deepening drift from an initial spiritual fervor. We’ll explore the “crazy rebellion-rescue cycle” repeated throughout the book, and how the judges highlight our need for Jesus. And we’ll apply important lessons on how to remain spiritually alert in all seasons of the year, and of life!
(Crazy cycle: rebellion, punishment, “repentance”, rescue via a judge, rest… repeat)
(Crazy cycle: rebellion, punishment, “repentance”, rescue via a judge, rest… repeat)
Bible Reading (June 2 - 30)
This June, we’re inviting you to read through the book of Judges with us—one section a day, Monday through Friday. Reading through the whole book will help us get a clear picture of the crazy rebellion-rescue cycle we’ll be talking about on Sunday mornings.
You can read on your own or join a texting accountability group. Groups are made up of around five people who text each other thoughts or impressions from the daily reading. It’s a simple way to stay encouraged and engaged.
Sign up below or let April Beaver know you’d like to be part of a texting group. Bookmarks with the full reading schedule are available at the Welcome Center and church office starting May 25.
You can read on your own or join a texting accountability group. Groups are made up of around five people who text each other thoughts or impressions from the daily reading. It’s a simple way to stay encouraged and engaged.
Sign up below or let April Beaver know you’d like to be part of a texting group. Bookmarks with the full reading schedule are available at the Welcome Center and church office starting May 25.
Judges: Spiritual Siestas - Message Schedule
June 1, 2025: Ehud
Joshua 24:14-15,23-24,31; Judges 2:7,10-15; 3:12-30
The first message sets up the series, contrasting Israel’s spiritual commitment at the end of Joshua’s rule with the spiritual drift and rebellion that quickly followed. God’s rescue through Ehud is a reminder that He can use the most unlikely people to bring about redemption.
June 8, 2025: Deborah
Judges 4 & 5
The crazy cycle continues, the drift of the Israelites worsens. This message highlights what God looks for in those He will use to rescue and redeem. The story of Deborah (and Jael) and Barak describes the contrast between those who act out of fear and those who act in faith. One balks and looks for an escape, the other steps up, brushes aside intimidation and acts courageously in response to God’s call. The message calls us to examine our core commitments and readiness to be used for God’s purpose in times of challenge.
June 15, 2025: Gideon
Judges 6-9
The crazy rebellion-rescue cycle continues, and another “hero” appears. Reluctant and weak-kneed, Gideon is used by God to challenge the level of our trust and the source of our resolve. We learn that a true spiritual awakening seeks God and fully surrenders to His way.
June 22, 2025: Jephthah
Judges 10:6-12:7
The crazy cycle has become a spiral. The story of Jephthah reveals how far Israel has strayed from understanding the difference between their God and the god of the Canaanites. The ethical spiral continues even through the “rescue”. We need a better Rescuer. Thank God, His mercy prevails!
June 29, 2025: Samson
Judges 13-16
From spiritual siesta to full out spiral, Samson demonstrates the moral failure of Israel during this period, and the persistence of God in providing redemption. The series ends with a call to examine our hearts, to break through the naivety of our spiritual drift and to embrace a spiritual alertness that honors Christ, our Redeemer, in every season.
Joshua 24:14-15,23-24,31; Judges 2:7,10-15; 3:12-30
The first message sets up the series, contrasting Israel’s spiritual commitment at the end of Joshua’s rule with the spiritual drift and rebellion that quickly followed. God’s rescue through Ehud is a reminder that He can use the most unlikely people to bring about redemption.
June 8, 2025: Deborah
Judges 4 & 5
The crazy cycle continues, the drift of the Israelites worsens. This message highlights what God looks for in those He will use to rescue and redeem. The story of Deborah (and Jael) and Barak describes the contrast between those who act out of fear and those who act in faith. One balks and looks for an escape, the other steps up, brushes aside intimidation and acts courageously in response to God’s call. The message calls us to examine our core commitments and readiness to be used for God’s purpose in times of challenge.
June 15, 2025: Gideon
Judges 6-9
The crazy rebellion-rescue cycle continues, and another “hero” appears. Reluctant and weak-kneed, Gideon is used by God to challenge the level of our trust and the source of our resolve. We learn that a true spiritual awakening seeks God and fully surrenders to His way.
June 22, 2025: Jephthah
Judges 10:6-12:7
The crazy cycle has become a spiral. The story of Jephthah reveals how far Israel has strayed from understanding the difference between their God and the god of the Canaanites. The ethical spiral continues even through the “rescue”. We need a better Rescuer. Thank God, His mercy prevails!
June 29, 2025: Samson
Judges 13-16
From spiritual siesta to full out spiral, Samson demonstrates the moral failure of Israel during this period, and the persistence of God in providing redemption. The series ends with a call to examine our hearts, to break through the naivety of our spiritual drift and to embrace a spiritual alertness that honors Christ, our Redeemer, in every season.