SEARCHINGS OF HEART

" . . . For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart . . . For the divisions of Reuben there were great SEARCHES of heart." (Judges 5:15-16)

DEBORAH, THE ONLY WOMAN JUDGE OF ISRAEL, and Barak her military leader, had just experienced a glorious triumph over Jaban, king of Canaan. God had subdued what appeared to be a vastly superior army "before the children of Israel." Deborah, herself a prophetess as well, together with Barak sang a remarkable and insightful song that day (5:1). They praised the Lord for avenging Israel "when the people willingly offered themselves." They shouted to "kings" and "princes," testifying of the greatness of their God. They told of His appearance, and of its effect, at Mount Sinai (5:4-5). They sang of the triumphs of Shamgar, who slew six hundred Philistines "with an ox goad," delivering Israel (3:31; 5:6). They sang of how God had commanded them to "lead thy captivity captive" (5:12).

THEY SANG OF THE TRIBES who sent men to assist them in the battle. Men came out of Ephraim. Benjamin sent men as well. Issachar publicly sided with Deborah and Barak. Zebulun and Naphtali joined in the fray, and even "jeoparded their lives unto the death" (5:14,15a,18). What a marvelous host it was, though small and seemingly inferior!

BUT DEBORAH AND BARAK also sang of those who did not join the battle. Gilead chose to remain "beyond Jordan," Dan "remained in ships," and Asher "continued on the sea shore" (5:17). They elected to remain where it was more peaceful, and go about their business as usual, even though a fierce and superior enemy had arisen against Israel. Their reluctance to join in the battle had not gone unnoticed.

AMONG THOSE WHO DID NOT CONTRIBUTE to the battle was the tribe of Reuben. They talked about going, apparently holding meetings, making resolves, and the likes – even though there were "divisions" among them on the issues of the moment. However, they chose to remain "among the sheepfolds," preferring to hear "the bleating of the flocks" rather than the abrasive noise of battle. They thought much about the battle – "great thoughts of heart." They probed the possibilities of joining the fray – "great SEARCHES of heart." But in the end, they did nothing. While many of their brethren went forth to battle, jeopardizing their lives, they went about their business as though there had been no threat, no danger, and no cause. Oh, they thought about it. They perused the possibilities. However, that is as far as they got. During the battle, they were at home, listening to "the bleating of the flocks." When there was a mighty triumph, they were "among the sheepfolds." And now, when Deborah and Barak sing their inspired song, they remember the non-participants as well as those who went down to the battle.

THERE ARE STILL SONGS OF VICTORY among the saints of God that are associated with recollections of those who chose to ignore the battle. Such people live out their lives as though there were no cause, no enemy, and no battle to fight. They choose to dwell in peaceful places when a battle is raging, when the faith is being assaulted, and the devil is gaining ground. They are willing to think about the possibilities of their participation. They may even search their hearts and times, perhaps even making good resolves. But in the end, they choose the "sheepfolds" to the field of battle, and the "bleating of the sheep" to the noise of holy conflict.

THESE PEOPLE DO NOT CONSIDER that the enemy has invaded their number, causing a spiritual slumber to settle in among them. Their attitudes are like fertile soil for false doctrine, creating an environment in which profitless preachers and teachers can become dominate, spreading their debilitating dogmas.

IT WAS THIS VERY CONDITION that moved Jude to stir up the people, calling them to get away from the "sheepfolds" of distraction, and the bleating of the false sheep, and "earnestly contend for the faith" (Jude 1:3). The people had fallen into a state of spiritual sleep – a state aptly described by Solomon, "Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man" (Prov 6:10-11). This is also the state into which some had fallen in the church at Ephesus. Paul thus shouted to them in the Spirit, "Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light" (Eph 5:14). Again, to those who were settling for the quiet meadows of spiritual inactivity Paul cries out, "now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed" (Rom 13:11).

THE THREATS OF THE ENEMY and the noise of battle have not ceased in the land. The call to sally forth to the conflict is still being sounded – to "fight the good fight of faith." May none of our number retreat to the place where the drone of normality fills the air. God has provided us with "the whole armor" required for the battle, and with weapons that are "mighty" through Him "to the pulling down of strongholds" (Eph 6:10-18; 2 Cor 10:4-5). "Be strong," now, and "quit you like men" (1 Cor 16:13). Do not be weak, but strong to "resist the devil," both on a personal and collective level. Make it your aim to be included in the song of praise and thanksgiving – that you have been among those who joined in the victorious battle. Do everything you can do avoid being known for choosing ease.

–Given O. Blakely