Whose Route?

During the time of the judges, the nation of Israel went in and out of faithfulness to God. Each time the nation was brought under the oppressive power of others they would again cry to God for help and He would raise up a judge to deliver His people. However, soon after the death of the judge, they would again return to following the idolatrous ways of the peoples around them. (i.e. Judges 3:12; 4:1; etc.)

During the time of Deborah, she summoned Barak regarding his having been commanded by God to gather 10,000 from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun to go fight against Sisera (commander of the Canaanite army, Judges 4:2) with the assurance God would deliver that army into his hands. ( Judges 4:6-7) Even with that assurance of victory, Barak was reluctant to go. He was not fully ready to go down that road. Though he did eventually go, he preferred his own route. What route did he choose?

We read. . .
"(8) Barak said to her, 'IF YOU WILL GO WITH ME, I WILL GO, but if you will not go with me, I will not go.' (9) And she said, 'I will surely go with you. Nevertheless, THE ROAD ON WHICH YOU ARE GOING WILL NOT LEAD TO YOUR GLORY, for the LORD will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.' Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh." ( Judges 4:8-9 ESV)

Victory did come as God said it would. It was A ROAD TO GLORY, but with the glory not going to Barak. Neither was Deborah herself the woman to whom she said the glory would come. The glory for the death of Sisera went to a woman by the name of Jael, the wife of Heber. ( Judges 4:21)

Sometimes we may choose a path that takes us in a completely opposite direction than God wants us to go. We cannot expect success when that is the choice we have made. However, there can be times when we might choose a somewhat different route than what God originally had in mind. In that choice we may still experience the victory He brings, but not receive the FULL GLORY He desires us to have received. That God can bring victory even in spite of our shortcomings is worthy of rejoicing, and to Him be the glory! Still, how much better for us to always seek to take THE ROAD GOD CHOOSES FOR US TO WALK!

Let us continue to "walk in a manner worthy of God" -- a manner that trustingly takes Him at His Word -- since He calls us "into HIS OWN KINGDOM AND GLORY." ( 1 Thessalonians 2:12) May we surrender our life completely to Him and graciously receive all He desires to bring.

Have a great day CHOOSING TO ACCEPT THE ROAD GOD LAYS BEFORE US!
Carl

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