THEY CAME NOT TO GOD’S HELP
“Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.” Judges 5:23
This song of Deborah and Barak commended those who valiantly assisted them and condemned those who did not. In spite of the dereliction of duty on the part of some, God gave a great victory. Included in their song was this curse pronounced on the inhabitants of Meroz because they gave no help in the day of battle. This is the only time this place is mentioned in the Bible. We may be uncertain where Meroz was located, but it is clear that they failed to respond to God’s call for help. Of those who did not contribute to the victory, Meroz received the most severe reprimand. The citizens of this village (or city) would be bitterly cursed “because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.”
What might we learn from such a stern warning as this? Are there consequences, perhaps even severe ones, for those who refuse to assist in God’s work, especially in times of great need? Obviously, many do not think so. The inhabitants of Meroz discovered differently. Their town and its citizens would never be the same. This history lesson should teach us that God is serious about our service to Him and our response to His call. It is wearisome to see the vast numbers of professing Christians who look at Christian service as an option, not a requirement. According to the New Testament, every member of the church body has a responsibility to contribute to the life and ministry of the congregation. The Great Commission was given to the Lord’s churches, and every member of those churches is expected to assist in the fulfillment of that command.
Sometimes people view their duties with reasoning such as “The pastor wants my help” or “The church is asking for workers.” This is incorrect, as our work in the ministry is unto God, not man. Our text says, “they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.” When someone refuses to be involved in Christian ministry, he is saying “no” to God, not just to men. God chooses to use willing servants in His great work. There is a great battle raging today for the souls of men and for the propagation of the truth. God is calling and enlisting workers. What should our response be?