In my journey reading/praying through the book of Judges I came across a fascinating verse (5:3): Curse Meroz, says the angel of the Lord, curse its inhabitants thoroughly, because they did not come to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.

Soooooo, the Creator of all that exists needs help? People are cursed because they didn’t come to the help of the Lord, the One who is mighty to save (Isa. 63:1, Zeph. 3:17), the great King who subdues nations under the feet of his people (Ps 47:2,3), the One mighty in battle (Ps. 24:8)–how can this be?

I think the obvious explanation is that this verse actually means “come to the help of the Lord’s people”, which sounds like a good, logical explanation (and have read that in a commentary). Perhaps others have a different Bible than mine, but that’s not the words I read. …so I am left with questions. Does the statement come to the help of the Lord include coming to the help of God’s people, but also encompass much more?

Does this verse speak of privilege and responsibility–we have the amazing privilege to partnership with God in battle and in victory, and a responsibility to do so? Is there a point where God will not usurp the authority of the god of this world unless we invite Him and partnership with him to do so? Remember, the dominion of this world was handed over to another in Eden and the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers… (2 Cor. 4:4).

I think this little verse holds a big message that I haven’t (and frankly, am not able to) unwrap here. My prayer is Father, don’t let me hold back, don’t let me make excuses, keep fear far from me, and show me where you want me to help you, to walk in the destiny you have for my life. Thinking myself too weak, too insignificant, untalented or ungifted is not humility and it is not faith–and I know that without faith it is impossible to please you (Heb. 11:6), –today I choose to please you. In Jesus’ name, amen.