Acting with a Divided Will

Scripture: Israel, apart from Benjamin, mustered four hundred thousand swordsmen, all of them fit for battle. The Israelites went up to Bethel and inquired of God. They said, “Who of us is to go up first to fight against the Benjamites?” The Lord replied, “Judah shall go first.” Judges 20:17-18

Observation: Israel gathers 400,000 troops, Benjamin rallies 26,000, and as they go into battle Israel ... attacks with approximately 1/11th of their men. In a battle where they should have a 15-to-1 advantage, they instead practically even up the odds.

Israel does this repeatedly. Throughout their history, they almost never act as a unified people, but as 12 independent states. They repeatedly value tribal boundaries, and even within that clan-level designations (later in this story they kill one single clan from Gad for failing to be part of the expedition). Israel is a people-group unified by their relationship with God, but often actively resistant to any other form of unity. This will eventually contribute to their downfall, when they tear their country apart due to tribal greed over kingship, which directly results in their rejection of God.

The subdivision of Israel always goes poorly for it. While it isn't explicitly stated, it would seem that all their times of problems arise when a sub-portion of Israel is oppressed while others ignore their plight. It would also seem that times of national unity - like festivals when everyone is to gather together - are often times of celebration and joy.

Application: Israel is a case study that shows division is problematic, and unity is preferred. This applies to the Church. This applies to families. And this applies to my own thoughts and deeds.

God does support "pruning". We did not see him tell Israel 'not' to attack Benjamin. There was evil that needed to be removed. However, when action is needed and/or taken, a unified action would seem more effective. For the Church, this does mean that some doctrine is flawed and needs to be pruned, but overall the body of Christ should be unified in its message, evangelism, and works. For me personally, this means that some thoughts and behaviors need to be corrected, but I should have a singled-minded purpose aligned to God's will for my life, and should be working toward that purpose instead of trying to balance worldly efforts and thoughts in the mix.

This is related to my current struggle ... attempting to find new value within earthly definitions of success, when I need to unify my goals around my faith in Christ. I do not yet know what that will look like for the next season of my life, but I am desirous to find out.

Prayer: Lord, again today I ask for your direction and guidance. May my work be for your glory and your purposes. I am in the place you chose, may my work be unified within myself and with others as you would have done on earth. Amen.