When Peace Becomes Dangerous

Tonight... we begin the third major cycle… in the Book of Judges. And before we even read the first verse... I want you to notice something. Each cycle has become progressively worse. Under Cushan-rishathaim... Israel served eight years. Under Eglon... Israel served eighteen years. Now... they're about to face another enemy. One that's more organized. One that's more technologically advanced. One who possesses a military force… unlike anything Israel has faced… since Joshua. They were about to encounter an extremely powerful Canaanite king named… Jabin. And they were about to run head-long into Jabin's Chief Commander… Sisera. And God will once again raise up a new Judge to deliver them… and her name is Deborah. But this chapter… isn't ultimately about Jabin. It isn't primarily about Sisera. It isn't even… first and foremost about Deborah. It is about a God... who continues pursuing His people... even after they repeatedly abandon Him.