Topic: “LET JUDAH GO FIRST”
Texts: Judges 1: 1- 5; 20:18; Psalm 22: 3-5
INTRODUCTION
Judah is Jacob’s and Leah’s fourth son.
Judah means “praise” in Hebrew, which is called Yehuda.
God mysteriously coded some divine languages that ordinary man cannot easily understand in His arrangement of the interpretations of His love for His people.
God has been leading Judah in line with the purpose and meaning of his name since the beginning of time.
In Genesis 37:26, Judah helped Joseph out of the pit which his other brothers threw him (Joseph) into.
In Genesis 40:19, Judah interceded for Benjamin.
There are several accounts in the Bible where Judah demonstrated God’s purpose for his name.
God strategically communicates His desire to the people, which is hidden in the name ‘Judah’ (praise).
God instructs the Israelites at every turn of their journey to prioritize Judah in order to defeat their enemies. God is also instructing you to put Judah in front of the journey this year.
This article will explain how to do so in details.
1.) ACKNOWLEDGE GOD
2.) LIFT UP GOD’S HAND IN PRAISE
1. Acknowlegde God:-
The first thing to do is to acknowledge God.
There is a wise saying that, “The person you acknowledge, you value; the person you value, you listen to his voice; the person you listen to his voice, you follow.”
Before you launch properly into the boat of this year, it will be appropriate for you to acknowledge God, so that your journey through the year 2023 will be smooth.
If you look at the background scriptures, Judges 1:1-2, “After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the Lord, “Who of us is to go up first to fight against the Canaanites?” The Lord answered, “Judah shall go up; I have given the land into their hands” (NIV) .
They acknowledged God as the anchor of their journeys and as the One who owns them. They asked Him who would lead the war against their enemies, because that was the custom of their previous leaders, Moses and Joshua.
“Someone who leads you would determine your your success.”
David Jeremiah stated that, “Many people make new year’s resolutions without relating to time management, but all such resolutions are hard to keep without the power and priorities of Christ surging.”
Acknowlegde God’s leading. Do not be led by your personal experiences, your intellect, wealth, or the opinions of others.
Currry R. Blake mentioned that, “Our problem is that, we’ve taken those personal experiences and made the standard or requirements to walk in the power of God.”
Recognize God in all your ways this year, and you will have overflowing songs of praise in your heart to worship your God.
2. Lift Up God’s Hand in Praise:-
When the winner of any game or public competition is announced, his hand is raised to show everyone that he is the champion.
After you have acknowledged God, you must elevate Him above everything in your life, including your difficulties. Many people fail at this point because they let their problems overwhelm them and fail to praise God.
In Psalms 22, David cried to God in his anguish as if God was far away, but in verse 3 of that same chapter, he quickly called himself to order and stated, “Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; You are the One Israel praises.”
David continued to enumerate God’s acts in various ways throughout the rest of the verses of that scripture.
As David did, you must come to your senses and make a decision. Lift God’s hand in praise by letting go of your low points.
Maintain your position of hope by standing in faith and trusting that God will never fail you or change. Trust that God is now bringing forth a new chapter in your life!
In John 11: 41-42, Before raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus lifted the mighty hand of God in praise. If Jesus Christ could do it, you should cultivate this as a practice throughout the year.
CONCLUSION
Who will be leading you this year?
Understand that the one who will lead you must be more powerful than the giant, raging storm, and every circumstance in your path.
The Lion of Judah is always ready to guide you through. He is Almighty, All-powerful, and All-knowing. He wants you to acknowledge Him and prioritize Him in everything.
Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (NIV).
God has promised to provide you with everything you need to succeed on your journey, but you must let Judah (that is, praise) go first.
Judah is the replica of God’s presence that led Israel through the wilderness in both the Old and New Testaments. He came in person as the Savior. Give your life to Jesus and allow Him to guide you.
Sing the following Hymns prayerfully:
A.) Great is Thy Faithfulness.
Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
Refrain: “Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!”
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed
Thy hand hath provided
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!…
B.) Guide Me, O My Great Jehovah
Guide me, O my great Jehovah,
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but you are mighty;
hold me with your powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me now and evermore,
feed me now and evermore…
C.) He Leadeth Me
He leadeth me, O blessed thought!
O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be
Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.
Refrain:
He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful foll’wer I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me….
Let Us pray:
1.) Lord, I thank You for Your plans and programs for me this year.
2.) Lord Jesus, I submit to Your leading, have Your way in my journey this year.
3.) My Lord and my Father, be my vision and wisdom at every confusing stage of my life’s journey.
REFERENCES
1. David Jeremiah, Turning Points Magazine and Devotional, “All The best!” ©2000-2023, vol.25.
2. Curry R. Blake, “Strength To Carry on.” © 2013 by Curry R. Blake. Christian Reality Books, Dallas TX 75374
1-888-293-6591.
3. Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®
John Aderogba for ROPMI.