Judges 5:23 “‘Curse Meroz,’ said the angel of the LORD, ‘Curse its inhabitants bitterly, Because they did not come to the help of the LORD, To the help of the LORD against the mighty.'”
Judges 5 is called the “Song of Deborah,” and is a masterpiece in expressing heartfelt praise to God for leading His people in triumph. It is a hymn of thanksgiving and a song of victory. Her song tells of who fought against Israel and who fought for Israel. And within the song, it tells of those who stayed away, trying to play it safe and not get involved either way.
Our attention is drawn to those who tried to play it safe and be neutral, for within the song (our verse to date) comes a curse pronounced by none other than the ANGEL OF THE LORD. It is a severe curse against a group of people in the town of Meroz for their INACTION. While it is true that they did not fight against Israel, they also did not fight FOR Israel, and more importantly, they did not HELP the Lord.
Meroz had an opportunity to help but chose to sit idly by.
This verse reminds us that God notices those who fail to fight for what is right. We cannot be sitting when we need to be standing. We cannot be fleeing when we need to be fighting. We are soldiers who are to be engaged in battle! Remember, failure to act is an action! Not TAKING action is taking ACTION.
For what it is worth: This verse leads me to a question. Why is *80% of church work done by 20% of people? (Based on stats from researchers).
Isaac Watts, the hymn writer wrote, “Must I be carried to the skies on flow’ry beds of ease, while others fought to win the prize, and sailed through bloody seas? Are there no foes for me to face?”
Continue Strong involved, not idle, in the Lord’s work,
And remember to daily DATE the Word