Why did God curse Meroz? When God calls people to act and they sit back, they miss His blessing and face His rebuke, reminding us that God sees when we ignore His call. This is a strong lesson about refusing to join in God’s work.

Today’s devotional will open your eyes to why Meroz was spoken of and how it warns believers not to remain idle when God is moving.

If you want to be used by God, you must rise and obey Him fully, a warning and a call to action for every believer.

Cursed is Meroz: Key Takeaway

  • When God calls you to act, don’t hold back. Obey quickly and be part of His victory.

Anchor Bible Verse of the day

‘Curse Meroz,’ said the angel of the Lord, ‘Curse its inhabitants bitterly, because they did not come to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.’

— Judges 5:23 (NKJV)

This verse was spoken during Deborah’s song after Israel defeated Sisera. Meroz was cursed because its people refused to join the battle when God’s people needed them.

Their laziness showed dishonour to God.

The meaning is clear: when God is at work and calls you to rise and help, sitting idle makes you miss His reward and brings rebuke.

Key Explanations

  • Curse Meroz: A strong declaration against a town for failing God’s call.
  • Angel of the Lord: God’s messenger delivering His words.
  • Help of the Lord: Joining God’s people in His purpose and battle.
  • Against the mighty: Fighting with God to defeat strong enemies.

Cursed is Meroz: A Reflection

When God calls, He expects obedience. Judges 5:23 tells us that Meroz refused to help in God’s battle.

Simply put, they chose comfort over courage, teaching us that doing nothing when God calls is not neutral but total disobedience. God values those who rise to help in His work.

Think of Esther for a moment. When Mordecai told her to speak to the king, she could have stayed silent. But Esther 4:14 says,

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish.

Like Meroz, being silent when God calls leads to loss.

The above should remind us that:

  • God sees when we refuse to act.
  • Refusing to help in God’s work brings loss of purpose.
  • God uses those who obey quickly.
  • There is blessing in rising to serve God.
  • Ignoring God’s call is disobedience and dishonour to Him.

Just imagine if David refused to fight Goliath. Israel would have lost hope. But David’s obedience brought victory.

If God calls you, and you refuse, someone else may obey, but you will miss your blessing. God doesn’t need us, but He chooses to use us for His glory.

Today, do not sit back.

  • If God calls you to pray for someone, do it.
  • If He calls you to give, give.
  • If He calls you to share His Word, speak boldly.

See, God’s work needs willing hearts.

The people of Meroz thought staying out of the battle was safe, but it brought them God’s curse.

Choose today to be useful in God’s hands. Like Isaiah, say, “Here am I. Send me.” God rewards those who obey. Cursed is Meroz shows that idleness in God’s kingdom is dangerous.

Rise and act when He calls. Do not let the curse of Meroz describe your life. Be known as a faithful and obedient servant of God.

Blessings..!

Call to Action

  • Ask God today where He wants you to serve. Decide to rise and act without delay.

Affirmation

  • I choose to obey God quickly and be part of His work and victory today.

Prayer Point for Today

  • A Prayer for Willingness to Serve: Pray for a ready and obedient heart to rise and act whenever God calls you to His work.

Let’s pray

Our Father, thank You for calling me to be part of Your work. Help me to rise and act when You call, and never sit back in disobedience.

In the precious and mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

My prayer for you today: I pray that you will rise quickly when God calls and never miss His purpose and blessing for your life.