Volunteers for Jesus

Real Dudes,
There are several chapters in the Bible that feature songs sung because of a victory in the Lord, including Exodus 15 after Moses lead the Isrealites through the Red Sea -- we have recorded for us the "Song of Moses.” In the parallel passages of 2 Samuel 22 and Psalm 18 we read about David’s songs of Victory over Saul and other Enemies. Isaiah 12 is a song of praise, and Revelation 5 and 15 are also victory songs. Each of these songs celebrate God's power and deliverance in response to events like the parting of the Red Sea, David's many victories, and the ultimate triumph of the Lamb in heaven. 

The portion of Scripture that I'm going to draw our attention to is Judges 5. This chapter celebrates the leaders and people of Israel who willingly offered themselves to fight against the Canaanites and calls for praise to God for their willingness and leadership.
Judges 5 is Deborah's victory song, which was a celebration of the Israelite victory over the Canaanite army and emphasizes that the victory was due to God's intervention, not human strength alone. 

We'll begin in Judges 4:23-5:3, 9 (CSB) 
23 That day God subdued King Jabin of Canaan before the Israelites. 24 The power of the Israelites continued to increase against King Jabin of Canaan until they destroyed him. 
5 On that day Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang:
2 When the leaders lead in Israel,
when the people volunteer,
blessed be the Lord.
3 Listen, kings! Pay attention, princes!
I will sing to the Lord;
I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel.

9 My heart is with the leaders of Israel,
with the volunteers of the people.
Blessed be the Lord!

I’d like to highlight a couple Truths within this particular Victory Song: 

1. The First Truth: is that When people volunteer…

• Understand that you’re not alone (The importance of community)... 
  • Verse 9 reminds us that – Others hearts are with you. 
    • Hearts might be with you Directly and or Indirectly. 
    • In sports others are Cheering you on…Indirectly, the fans are with you…Directly, you’re teammates and coaches are with you. 
      • Anyone know which college football team has the longest ongoing sellout streak to their home games? 
        • The Nebraska Cornhuskers 
          • 404 consecutive home games, which is also an NCAA record for any sport that dates to back to 1962. 
          • Through the good and bad, the fans want the program to know that their hearts are with them.
      • A Cheering Fan communicates to the players…our hearts are with you: 
        • Cheering for your child at sporting events. 
          • Dad and mom are with you. 
      • Cheering US on to victory. The fans and the players both feel and share the same excitement. 
        • https://www.facebook.com/IowaStateAthletics/videos/iowa-state-football-sings-the-fight-song-with-the-student-section-after-tonights/10156067358925445/ 
• Volunteers…listen, others hearts are with you!!!
  • Sometimes Directly & Sometimes Indirectly. 
    • Either way…rest assured – others hearts are with you.

2. The Second Truth: then, is that When people volunteer…

• We read in verses 2 and 9 that God is blessed / He is praised. All glory to Him.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:31 (CSB) So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.
• Volunteers…Regardless if hearts were with you indirectly from a distance (like the fans in the stands), or directly serving alongside you (like the teammates and coaches on the field with you)...COLLECTIVELY we are doing this together – ALL for Him and all for His Glory!!!

Let me encourage you to spend some time reflecting on the victories within your church. Doesn’t it make you just want to sing? Singing should be a natural response and reflection as to what God has done in our lives and in our Churches. It is clear that we have much to be thankful for and to be singing about…So, what does your victory song sound like? 
Practicing His Presence,
Nate

Here's an old hymn that's one of my favorites, especially as a Christian and as a Tennessee Volunteer fan;)

Hymn: A Volunteer for Jesus

1 A call for loyal soldiers
Comes to one and all;
Soldiers for the conflict,
Will you heed the call?
Will you answer quickly?
With a ready cheer?
Will you be enlisted
As a volunteer?
Refrain:
A volunteer for Jesus,
A soldier true!
Others have enlisted,
Why not you?
Jesus is the Captain,
We will never fear;
Will you be enlisted
As a volunteer?
2 Yes, Jesus calls for soldiers,
Who are filled with pow'r,
Soldiers who will serve Him
Ev'ry day and hour;
He will not forsake you,
He is ever near;
Will you be enlisted
As a volunteer? 
[Refrain]
3 He calls you, for He loves you
With a heart most kind.
He whose heart was broken,
Broken for mankind;
Now, just now He calls you,
Calls in accents clear,
Will you be enlisted
As a volunteer? 
[Refrain]
4 And when the war is over,
And the vict'ry won,
When the true and faithful
Gather one by one,
He will crown with glory
All who there appear;
Will you be enlisted
As a volunteer? 
[Refrain]
Source: The New Church Hymnal #209
https://hymnary.org/text/a_call_for_loyal_soldiers ​