Title: Factors of Victory in Life (2)
Judges (13) The factors of victory in life (2) (Judges 5:14-31)
1. A life of maximum cooperation
In addition to the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali, who took the lead in the battle with Sisera, the commander of the army of King Jabin of Hazor, the tribes of Ephraim, Benjamin, Manasseh (Machir), and Issachar also participated (verses 14-15). As such, some tribes cooperated as much as possible, but others were bystanders. It is presumed that the Reuben tribe chose the path to enjoy a peaceful country life after discussion and did not participate in the war (verse 16). Also, the tribe of Gad, who lived in Gilead, the tribe of Dan, who traded by boat, and the tribe of Asher, who lived in the coastal area, did not participate in the war (verse 17).
When setting a precious purpose, it is good for everyone to participate in it, but there are many times when it is not usually possible. Even if such a situation arises, do not get hurt or shocked, and work together as much as possible with people who share a will. If the number of people joining is at least not disappointed and cooperates with the holy vision as much as possible, the meaning and worth of life will increase, and the share of blessings in the spiritual realm will increase.
2. Life to do your best
In the war against Sisera, the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali stood in the vanguard, prepared to die, and ultimately led the war to victory (verses 18-19). Likewise, God helps us when we do our best with the attitude of “If we die, we will die!” (verse 20). God opens the best way for believers who do their best. Instead of relying solely on luck without a willingness to do your assigned duties, work together to do your best in the opportunities God has given you to bless you.
A man who has won many medals for fighting bravely on the battlefield is not a blessed soul if he returns to his hometown and spends every day drinking alcohol. Because he had the power to rule the enemy in battle, but he lacked the power to rule himself. It is a blessing to see them do their best by facing their mission courageously without losing strength no matter what trials and tribulations they face in their daily life.
3. A life of helping in difficult times
Why was Meros cursed? Because they did not help the LORD or help the LORD against the mighty (verse 23). Don't just watch someone go to war on a mission, do your best to cooperate, especially when you are in trouble. Then there will surely be great blessings and rewards.
Do you see anyone around you who needs my help? He is a holy bait for blessings. If you really want to receive God's blessing, take care of him and become his neighbor and grab God's holy bait. If someone is suffering, try to stretch it out yourself before someone else stretches it out. Don't let the prelude to that blessing flow and look for the blessed path elsewhere. When I help someone in need, I become a channel of his blessing and, mysteriously, he also becomes a channel of my blessing.
4. A life that loves God
At the end of the song Deborah prayed that the enemies of the Lord might be destroyed, and those who love the Lord might be like the rising sun (verse 31). In this prayer, what does Deborah refer to as the greatest requirement for victory in life? It is to love God. To love God is the source of true religious life, and to love all good things. Of course, God is too big to be the object of our love, but still love Him with all your might.
As a philosopher, when he searched for God, God did not appear, but when he fell ill and fell down before God like a child, God received the grace of salvation. Making God the object of your philosophy to get to know Him better has little to do with victory in life. The important thing is to love God. What does it mean to love God? Ultimately, it is obedience to the Word. God values those who give him the opportunity to do something more than those who do it for him.
Love and obedience are like two flowers on one flowering tree. Our love for God should be an obedient love. If Jesus saved us from the curse of the law by his infinite sacrifice, it is right to obey God's Word with love from the heart. John 14:15 says this. “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”