In a relay race, the passing of the baton is one of the most exhilarating yet dangerous parts of the competition. That split-second handoff between two runners can make or break the entire race.

In a similar way, the passing of the baton in leadership is a vulnerable time in the life cycle of an organization. Experience gives way to inexperience. Realism is replaced by optimism. The veteran makes way for the rookie.

Sometimes during a transition, things carry on smoothly and it feels like “business as usual.” In other cases, values change and priorities change. In the case of Israel, after Moses and Joshua, there was no natural successor. To be sure, there were priests, and tribal leaders, and fathers who were expected to give oversight to the nation. But there was no centralized government, military commander, or spiritual authority figure like Moses or Joshua.

With this lack of leadership came a lack of vision and motivation. The people weren’t sure what to do next. They were like sheep without a shepherd, so they inquired of the Lord, “Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?” The Lord answered, “Judah shall go up” (Judges 1:1-2). And thus begins the book of Judges.

One of the highlights of last year at Calvary Church was our expository series through the Book of Judges. It was an amazing journey, and a season of spiritual growth for our church. I entitled the series “Arise!” in honor of Judges 5:12, when the judge Barak was urged to “Arise and lead away your captives.” It was a fitting challenge for all of us to take up our cross daily and follow God.

In the weeks ahead, I’ll be re-posting those sermons from the Book of Judges so others can join in, starting today with chapter one. In this study of Judges 1, we learn…

• The danger of trying to do life on our own without God’s guidance
• Comfort for those who are afraid
• Why Israel struggled to inhabit the land of Canaan
• The need for courage in a dark world

Here’s the audio link…

Thanks for listening! For a complete list of sermons, please visit my Sermon Hub page.