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THE SONG OF DEBORAH (III)
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19
Judges 5:23-31

1 Corinthians 3:5-15

 

“…he that gathereth not with me

scattereth abroad.”

 

THE SONG OF DEBORAH (III)
 
The third lesson drawn from the song of Deborah is that of the grace of God. God who is almighty and omnipotent, able to do all things, and who controls the elements of nature, is pleased to enlist the help of men in accomplishing His purpose and design. His purpose cannot be defeated. The weakness and frailty of the men raised also cannot defeat the purposes of God who has enlisted them to do His will. Just as Jonah’s disobedience and reluctance did not deter the will of God, so also the refusal of Meroz to join the LORD’s cause did not hinder its accomplishment.
 
“Curse ye Meroz…Blessed above women shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be…” (Judg 5:23-24). It is of God’s grace and mercy that we are invited to be fellow-labourers with God, and to have a part in His work. The refusal to support Israel in their quest was refusal to support the LORD Himself. Regardless of the reason (whether it was personal differences with those already enlisted, personal weakness or fear of the mighty enemy being faced, or other commitments and associations that seemed more favourable in the present time), once the choice was made, the consequence was fixed. For Meroz, the choice to not support Israel fixed upon them the curse. Gamaliel warned the Jews in Acts 5:33-39 to take heed of their choice lest “haply ye be found even to fight against God.” Moreover, the Scripture is full of such examples like Amalek (Exod 17:14; Deut 25:19). Standing against God’s cause is standing against God Himself. For Jael, her choice brought upon her the LORD’s blessings. She took the LORD’s side while alone in her tent. She did not go out looking for the battle, but when it came, she stood with the LORD, and she was blessed “above women in the tent” (Judg 5:24).
 
For Sisera, he had made the choice to oppress God’s people, and cause them untold pain and suffering. He and his troops perished, for the pronouncement is: “let all thine enemies perish, O LORD” (Judg 5:31). Grace gives us a part in God’s work, which, if we do, makes us fellowlabourers with God. Faithfulness to God brings us blessings.
 
THOUGHT: We hinder God’s work when we do not join it.

PRAYER: (Use 1 Samuel 25:28.)

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