SCRIPTURE: Judges 1
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
If the Lord is asking us to do something, He will provide the necessary resources to do it.
The LORD was with the men of Judah. They took possession of the hill country, but they were unable to drive the people from the plains, because they had iron chariots. [Judges 1:19] In this opening chapter of Judges, we see that the Israelites did not obey the Lord’s command to totally remove the Canaanites from the land. This verse says that the Lord was with the men of Judah, but that they were not able to drive the inhabitants out because of their iron chariots. Were the chariots to strong even for the Lord? As I read this chapter, my sense is that the problem was with the Israelites, not with the Lord. Afterall, Jericho was a impregnable fortress, yet they succeeded with the Lord’s help.
The Lord does not ask us to do the impossible. Of course, it may be impossible for us alone, but not for us with the Lord. For nothing is impossible with God. [Luke 1:37] The Lord does not send us out on our own, He goes with us and empowers us with His Spirit. Even though He is in heaven, the Lord is still working alongside of us: Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. [Mark 16:20]. If the Lord is asking us to do something, He will provide the necessary resources to do it.
The book of Judges is the record of the failure of Israel to trust and obey the Lord. It is also the record of God’s grace, despite their failure. When they wander and their lives fall apart, God steps in when they cry out for help. Even though they are messing things up for themselves, He steps in again and again to save their behinds.
For us in our efforts as a church, we can be sure that the Lord is providing what we need to fulfill His mission. If we do not work with Him or do what He wants us to do, we will experience the consequences. God cannot bless our disobedience. But if we come to our senses and ask for help, He will help. He will allow us to try again, and will provide the resources to succeed.
There are no obstacles (iron chariots) too great for the Lord. The Lord assured us when He commissioned us that He would be with us to the every end. This comfort is for all who work with Him in His mission!
PRAYER:
Lord, help me not to push Your grace. Help me to step out in faith now, and trust that You will confirm our efforts with Your power!
The Lord had given the victory, but . . . the people relied upon their own strength. I have given you the land says the Lord, but the people were afraid to trust in the Lord with all of their hearts. God was on their side, but fear of the opposition drove the people from trusting the Lord. Being GodStrong we can do all things. Being SelfStrong will bring defeat. Not driving the Canaanites out, God’s people became like them and they too served other gods until God raised up another judge to bring the people to their right senses.
I too need to remember that I can do all things through Christ Jesus who gives me the strength. I need to step out in faith each day as I live for Jesus and by God’s grace I am able to do just that. Thank You Lord for providing all what I need to do my daily work. Help me also this day as I continue my journey, my pilgrim’s progress in joy and in Your power as You give light to the path I need to travel. Help me to keep my eyes upon Jesus.
Grace and truth shall mark the way
Where the Lord His own will lead,
If His Word they still obey
And His testimonies heed.
He who walks in godly fear
In the path of truth shall go;
Peace shall be his portion here,
And his sons all good shall know.
They that fear and love the Lord
Shall His holy friendship know;
He will grace to them accord,
And His faithful covenant show.
Ever are my longing eyes
On the Lord, Whose watchful care,
When my foes their plots devise,
Keeps my feet from every snare.