Some Step Up and Others Stay Home | Judges 5:13-18

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Our text today is Judges 5:13–18.

“Then down marched the remnant of the noble;
the people of the LORD marched down for me against the mighty.
From Ephraim their root they marched down into the valley,
following you, Benjamin, with your kinsmen;
from Machir marched down the commanders,
and from Zebulun those who bear the lieutenant’s staff;
the princes of Issachar came with Deborah,
and Issachar faithful to Barak;
into the valley they rushed at his heels.
Among the clans of Reuben
there were great searchings of heart.
Why did you sit still among the sheepfolds,
to hear the whistling for the flocks?
Among the clans of Reuben
there were great searchings of heart.
Gilead stayed beyond the Jordan;
and Dan, why did he stay with the ships?
Asher sat still at the coast of the sea,
staying by his landings.
Zebulun is a people who risked their lives to the death;
Naphtali, too, on the heights of the field.” — Judges 5:13-18

Deborah draws a clear line between two groups.

Group one: On one side are the tribes who stepped up — Ephraim, Benjamin, Machir, Zebulun, Issachar, Naphtali. They marched into the valley without hesitation, shoulder to shoulder, risking everything for God’s mission.

Group two: On the other side are those who stayed home — Reuben, Gilead, Dan, Asher. Reuben stalled in “great searchings of heart,” paralyzed by indecision. Gilead stayed put across the river. Dan clung to his ships. Asher kept his feet planted on the shoreline.

The difference wasn’t ability. It wasn’t opportunity. It was willingness.

In every generation, God calls His people to step up — but not everyone answers. Some run toward the fight. Others cling to the familiar. Some seize the moment. Others think about it until the moment passes.

When God calls, the greatest tragedy isn’t weakness — it’s unwillingness. The tribes who stayed home had the same God, the same history, and the same opportunity as those who stepped up. But they missed their moment because they chose comfort over courage.

You and I face the same choice. God’s mission is still moving forward. The only question is — will you march into the valley, or watch from the shoreline?

ASK THIS:

In what areas of life has God been calling you to step up?
What “great searchings of heart” have delayed your obedience?
Whose courage could grow because you decided to step forward?
How do you want to be remembered when God’s story is told?
DO THIS:

Identify one step of obedience you’ve been delaying. Take it today — even if it feels risky — and trust God with the outcome.

PRAY THIS:
Lord, keep me from standing on the sidelines when You call. Give me the courage to step up, and the faith to follow You into the fight. Amen.

PLAY THIS:
"I Will Go."