Who shall go up?
August 10, 2022 in Today's Worship by TGV
Worship Guide/ 7-BSG-1A, (Judges 1:1-2)/ Theme: Who shall go up? Hymn: Now, Dear Lord, as we pray (SDAH 671).
Exploration: The Tribe of Judah – (Gen 49:8-10; Num 2:3; 7:12; Ps 78:68-70; Heb 7:14; Rev 5:5; 19:11-16)
Reflection: This chapter is about the military campaigns of Israel (1:1–36). We start with Judah (joined by Simeon). They defeated the Canaanite king, Adoni-bezek, killing 10,000 of his troops. Then they captured Jerusalem and three important Philistine cities—Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron. But they could not defeat the enemies who had iron chariots (1:19). Next, we are introduced to Caleb, who led Judah to capture the cities of Hebron and Debir (1:10–15, 20). Lastly, the chapter highlights the military campaign of Benjamin (1:21); Manasseh and Ephraim (1:22–29); Zebulun (1:30); Asher (1:31–32); Naphtali (1:33); and Dan (1:34–36). One phrase often repeated in this chapter, [they] “did not drive out” the Canaanites. The failure of Israel to fully obey God’s command to drive out all their enemies resulted in their enemies destroying Israel’s love for God from the inside out – (as we shall see in the coming chapters).
There are many themes here, but we shall limit our comments on Israel’s prayer in verses 1-2. The sons of Israel had a specific question (or prayer request), and they got a specific answer from the Lord. What prompted this prayer? The death of Joshua (1:1). Joshua had been Israel’s leader since Moses’ departure. With Moses dead and Joshua leaving no successor, new leadership was needed, for they had no commander-in-chief. What was the petition? “Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites?” (1:1). Asking the Lord was wise. James says, “Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it” (James 4:2, NLT). Many times, we fail because we do not “ask” God for help or “inquire” for directions (Mt 7:7; Isa. 30:21; Jam 1:5, 6, 17). What was the Lord’s answer? “Judah shall go up” (1:2a). God responded (probably through the Urim and Thummim) that the tribe of Judah would lead in this effort. Judah took the lead, having been given pre-eminence above his brethren. Judah was first in dignity; thus, he must be first in duty (cf. Gen. 29:35, 49:8). Remember that Judah was the tribe from which the Saviour sprang. Christ, (the Lion of the tribe of Judah) would fight for them. In 2:1, he is referred to as “the Angel of the Lord.” What assurance/ promise was given? “I have delivered the land into his hand” (1:2b). In other words, Yahweh is saying, “consider it done!” Such assurance of victory should have naturally given the Judahites courage for the contest. Divine callings (commissions) often come with Divine promises to encourage those called. Also, note that God calls who He wills and equips them.
Devotional Implication: When the children of Israel had to face a dangerous enterprise, they first sought counsel from Jehovah. The Book of Judges begins well, with the people asking the Lord for His guidance and direction. Beloved, we always begin well when we consult the omnipotent, omniscient, sovereign God of the Universe. Seeking God’s wisdom and will is always the best place to start any venture. When we encounter difficulties, trials of this life, or enemies, we ought to respond with the cry of David, “Oh, [God] please help us against our enemies, for all human help is useless. With God’s help, we will do mighty things, for He will trample down our foes.” (Psalm 60:11 -12, NLT) How many of us inquire from the Lord daily?
Secondly, Israel not only offered a general prayer but a specific one: they sought the Divine guidance in every detail, who, what, when — who, that is, “which of our tribes shall go up against the Canaanites first?” Compare David’s specific prayer for direction and the consequent success (2 Sam. 5:19–25). If we want our prayers to be faith-filled and effective, they must be specific. For this reason, “specific prayers” are always better than general prayers. We must avoid “vain repetitions” (Mt 6:6). When you pray, therefore, beloved, think of specific (or definite) things you want to pray about, and then fix your mind on those things, one at a time (Phil. 4:6).
Thirdly, the service and the success go together: Judah must do his part “by going up,” and he shall find that Jehovah is faithful to His promise of delivering the land and the enemy into his hand (Josh 1:4; cf. Phil. 2:12-13).
The Gospel’s Voice: This section is written as if God were speaking directly to you—because He does. What does the LORD say to me this morning? My son, I commanded the Judahites to go against the Canaanites and promised them victory. When I call you for a specific task, I will equip and empower you to finish the job (Josh. 1:2–9: Acts 18:9, 10); But you must surrender and allow Me to work within you. And remember, “whoever comes to Me, I will never drive away.” (Jn 6:37, KJV). On this day, I invite you to draw near Me for counsel and direction in your life. Would you?
My Desire: By God’s grace, I want to –- 1. Thank God for the privilege of accessing His Throne (Heb 4:15-16); 2. Go to the Lord daily for counsel and direction in my life; 3. Repent my sins so that my prayers will not be hindered (Ps. 66:18; Prov. 28:9; Isa. 59:2; John 9:31; 1 Peter 3:7; 4:7)
Have A Blessed Day: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5–6, NKJV) “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NKJV)
Worship Through Singing: Now, Dear Lord, as we pray (SDAH 671).
Now, dear Lord, as we pray,
Take our hearts and minds far away,
From the press of the world all around,
To Your throne where grace does abound.
May our lives be transformed by Your love,
May our souls be refreshed from above.
At this moment, let people everywhere,
Join us now as we come to You in prayer.