THE SELF-INTERESTED CHRISTIAN

DAN'S SHIP SHOPS TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: “Thus let all Your enemies perish, O Lord! But let those who love Him be like the sun when it comes out in full strength” (Judges 5:31). DAILY FIRE! I will not be a self-interested Christian! Israel had many troubles. They were often oppressed by invaders. God raised up leaders (judges) to unite and help them to defend themselves. One of these judges was Deborah, a prophetess. A Canaanite king, Jabin, had sent in his men under Sisera to plunder and kill Israel.  The Spirit of God stirred Deborah to resist this attack; and by using her persuasive powers she inspired Israel to rally under the leadership of Barak. Each tribe received Deborah’s call to unite, and do what they could not do alone—stand against Sisera. It is interesting to see how the various tribes reacted.  In fact, this old story is like a mirror held up to the face of the church today. After their victory, Deborah asked one penetrating question about the tribe of Dan:  “And why did Dan remain on ships?” (Judges 5:17—The Danites ran a mercantile marine service for Israel, bringing goods from far corners. Then, moored in a harbor, their ships became shops, selling directly to the public). So here was Dan himself at the till of his shop, totaling receipts with satisfaction.  Suddenly, a messenger arrives with a dispatch for Dan: “Dear Dan: Sisera is ravaging Israel. We are fighting with everything at our disposal, but the tribes must all unite to repel the enemy. Come and help—now. Your fellow Israelites are bleeding and dying. Please respond. Deborah (Judge of Israel).” Dan, the businessman, was deeply moved. He looked inland where hostilities were in progress, possibly hearing the clash of arms and cries of his dying brothers. Just as suddenly came other thoughts:  “If I go and fight, I will be risking my flourishing enterprise. The Canaanites are my customers, so I cannot upset them! I must remain neutral.”  He hurriedly stuffed a bundle of money into the messenger’s pockets, saying, “Regretfully I cannot come myself, but here is my contribution. Tell Deborah that I am with her in spirit.”  So Dan went on counting his cash, while his brethren rallied round the standard of Deborah and Barak. Let others die for Israel, but Dan had a business to attend to.  There was Dan in his ship of self-interest, self-love, and greed. Taken from Daily Fire Devotional: 365 Days in God’s Word by Reinhard Bonnke. Copyright © 2016 by Reinhard Bonnke. Use by permission of Whitaker House. www.whitakerhouse.com

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