Podcast Introduction Our reading today is Judges 17-21, and I’m calling the episode “Instructions Required.” Comments on Judges 17-21 Proverbs 14:12 tells us, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” In Judges 17, we read about the fellow named Micah that stole a very large amount of silver from his mother, and then returned it to her. The she decided to “set apart” the silver to the Lord, and gave a small portion of it to a silversmith to make an idol. And Micah set up a small temple in his house and made one of his sons to serve as “priest”. Obviously, *none* of this was right in God’s eyes. All of this happened in the first five verses of the chapter. And in verse 6 we read, “In those days Israel didn’t have a king. The people did anything they thought was right.” And as we just read, the book of Judges ended with those same words,“In those days Israel didn’t have a king. The people did anything they thought was right.” Pretty much everything we read from verse one of chapter 17 to the end of chapter 21 illustrates what happens when people do whatever they think is right, and for the most part, they made a mess of things. Why is that? Because left to their own devices, it is more common for people to follow their flesh than to follow God’s law. As a general rule, people are not basically good. We have to learn to be good. Want proof? How about this. Does a child learn to lie? Does a child learn to disobey? Does a child learn to be selfish? I have yet to meet a two year old that had to be taught these things. Don’t get me wrong, I love kids, but I have never known one that was an angel. Some are sweeter than others, but they all have to be taught to be good people. That’s the job of the parents. And don’t get me started on that subject.  We are generally no better today than in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah or the days of Noah or the days of the Judges. That is why we need Jesus. “There is none righteous, no not one,” Paul tells us in Romans 3:10. I’m so glad that the Holy Spirit is at work through His people, restraining the influence of evil that will eventually be dominant during the Great Tribulation.   Christians have a huge responsibility, beloved. We must be obedient to the Holy Spirit when He prompts us into action, whether it be to speak to our neighbor about having a relationship with Jesus, to being active in a ministry at church, to working with victims of crimes…the possibilities are endless, and only you know what God is calling you to do.  But when the Holy Spirit calls you, you must answer. I challenge you to ask Him today what He would have you do.  And beloved, it has been my experience that even before He asks, it is a good idea to make up your mind that your answer will be “Yes!”.  One person can make a difference. Be that person. Today’s Bible Translation Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 17 HCSB, Ch. 18 ERV, Ch. 19-20 GWT, Ch 21 NIRV This a value for value podcast. There are no advertisers because advertising equals censorship. If you enjoy the Lifespring One Year Bible Rewind, decide how much value it brings to you. Only you can make that determination. Then put a number on the value and donate here: SUPPORT.