Suggested Bible Reading: Judges 1-2
Devotional Thought:
Title: “God’s Plan for Success.”
Joshua’s time as the leader of the children of Israel was drawing to a close when the Lord said to him, “Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed.” (Josh 13:1) Each tribe had been allotted its particular inheritance in the land, but the beginning of the book of Judges reveals that they had not yet possessed all of it. It serves as a reminder to us believers today that the Person and work of Christ has opened up to us innumerable blessings for the enrichment of our spiritual lives, but we must possess them by faith if we are to enjoy them. Sadly, like the children of Israel, many are content to live as spiritual paupers. What are the things we as believers must do if we are to enjoy the entirety of God’s blessing? First, in vs. 1 the people of Israel asked the Lord for guidance. This request was in itself an indication that the quest to possess the land was not as far advanced, as it ought to have been. If the people had been living in the good of all that Joshua had achieved, such a request would not have been necessary. However, the children of Israel displayed a commendable desire to do the right thing here and sought the Lord’s direction. A vital ingredient for success in spiritual warfare is for Christians to know what the Lord’s will is, so that they follow His pathway, not their own. Secondly, in vs. 2 the Lord tells Israel to go. Judah was the largest, most powerful tribe. Jacob said of him, “Thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies.” (Gen 49:8) Clearly, God marked him out as the one upon whom the leadership mantle, left by the departures of Moses and Joshua, should fall. When the Lord answers our prayers, it will be accompanied by the promise of guaranteed success: “Judah shall go up: behold, I have delivered the land into his hand.” Judah could set out against the strength of the enemy with confidence and without fear. Believers today can act in confidence against the wiles of the Devil as we put on the whole armor of God. Thirdly, in vs. 3 the necessity of unity was a given. Judah invited Simeon, his brother, to go up and fight against the Canaanites; this received a positive response. It is a legitimate argument that it was strength, not a weakness, to see them working in harmony during such exacting times, even though Judah could claim to be a far more prominent tribe than Simeon. There must be an atmosphere of mutual help and support among the Lord’s people if they are to function effectively in their spiritual warfare. Fourthly, in vs. 10-15, the introduction of men that are godly. Their names are Caleb, Othniel and Achsah, all of from the same family. They shone like beacons in the midst of the darkness. If their contemporaries had displayed the same faith, things would have turned out differently for the children of Israel. Oh how we need men to stand by faith and to obey steadfastly.
Personal Prayer Requests:
- Lord, please help me to always remember that I need you. I need you to guide me in every decision, empower me for every task, and deliver me from every temptation.
- Lord, please help me to enjoy, employ, and encourage those around me that you have given to assist in the work of serving you. Thank you for life long ministry partners that you provide.
- Lord, thank you for the confidence we can have in the promises of your word.