INTRODUCTION
The previous message in this series examined the trait of the Issachar people as ‘burdened servants’ of the “faith” an “works” burdens. It shows that only God can deliver the ‘burdened servants’ from religious obligations, idolatry and pagan customs. Access previous messages at <https://childrenofgraceministries.international>.
This message analyses the trait of the Dan brethren who, as “serpent by the way” subtly judge others, luring them into temptation. It explains how one may overcome the Dan judging temptation by avoiding “doubtful disputations” and waiting on the Lord’s salvation.
1. JUDGING PEOPLE
The Holy Bible generally warns that one should “Judge not, that ye be not judged”. (Matthew 7:1). But according to Jacob’s prophecy, “Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel”. “Judge” here is not concerned with established court system of judging cases. Rather Dan people “shall be a serpent by the way … that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward…”. (Genesis 49:16).
The Dan brethren type are set exceptionally amongst their folks in all kinds of relationships to find fault with people. They can form negative perceptions about others, either to expose their weaknesses or to esteem themselves in their own eyes or for vain show. Jealousy and envy usually underpin this judging trait.
Dan people are quick to judge others in dealing with the Holy scriptures, in religious rites, their habits or character. They will question your faith, what you eat and drink, who you are, where and how you pray etc; they may mock your achievements and reproach you in well-doing. Such judging situations will occur for instance, where one person believes that he may eat all things and judges or despises another who only eat herbs; or where one esteems one day as holy above another and judges the person that esteems everyday alike. (Romans 14:1-3).
An example of the Dan brethren are the Pharisees who judged Jesus for eating with “publicans and sinners?”; and questioned him on why John’s disciples fast often and make prayers but Jesus’ disciples eat and drink? (Matthew 9:10-11; Luke 5:33).
Given their disposition to judging others, the Dan people are usually unforgiven, lack compassion, quick to condemn or pass judgement on others, speak evil of people and belittle their brethren. (Luke 6:37; Romans 14:10).
- ‘SERPENT BY THE WAY’
Jacob describes the Dan brethren as “a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward” (Genesis 49:17). Serpent by the way” and “adder in the path” are symbolisms that illustrate the subtle and cunning manner in which the Dan brethren will lure one into temptation, judging their relationship with man and God.
Danites are like “the serpent, [which is] more subtil than any beast of the field that God had made”; who beguiled Adam and Eve and caused them to fall backwards in their relationship with God. (Genesis 3:1-4). Their judging trait is like the serpent, which accuses our brethren before God day and night (Revelation 12:10).
- BITTEN ‘HORSE HEELS’ – WEAKNESS
Like “a serpent by the way” the Dan people shall bite the “horse heels so that his rider shall fall backward”. In other words, Dan will find your weakness – “horse heels”, and will use it to attack you unsuspectingly, throwing you off guard. Every man that relies on his own strength, and is prideful is easily snared by Danites and “the gin shall take him by the heel…” (Genesis 3:15; Job 18:9).
These brethren will also snare especially the “weak in the faith” to fall into temptation. Their judging will provoke you to seek to defend or justify yourself; or it will undermine your confidence, make you feel unworthy or inadequate in your work and walk with God, and in the eyes of others. Danites can “… zealously affect you, but not well…[and] they would exclude you, that ye might affect them”. (Galatians 4:17-18)
- “THORNS IN TH FLESH” –
The judging Dan brethren also exists “as a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet [us] lest [we] should be exalted above measure”. This may be for a purpose to humble us, that we do not boast in our own ability or strength in serving God; or in how much God may use us, including, through the abundance of revelation. (2 Corinthians 12:7).
The weakness for which one may be judged by the Dan tribe, may be an area of your strength, for a bad habit, an infirmity or an addiction that one might be struggling with; a nagging spouse, a wayward child; or in respect of other difficult situation in one’s life. Dan brethren will judge you in these conditions to affect you from pride, to bring out your vulnerabilities, to put stumbling block or obstacle in your way, to challenge your faith, or your trust in God. (Romans 14:13).
My people of God, when you are buffeted by the “messenger of Satan” through judging, pray to the Lord that it might depart from you. Although you may feel weak under the temptation, be assured that the grace of God is sufficient for you. “For [God’s] strength is made perfect in weakness”. So endeavour always to glory in your infirmities, in reproaches, in persecution, in distress, for Christ’s sake, that the power of Christ may rest upon you. “For when [you] are weak then [you] are strong” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).
- AVOID JUDGING DISPUTATIONS
Brethren, consider that a main objective of the Dan judging is to bring you down into temptation. So, avoid “doubtful disputations”! Resist falling into the temptation of judging disputations especially over religious precepts, eating, holy days, drinking, fasting, praying, or areas of your strengths and weaknesses etc. (Romans 14:1).
When you are judged, resist the temptation to react negatively. “For on whatever grounds you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things”. (Matthew 7:1; Luke 6:37; Romans 2:1). “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: (Colossians 2:16).
- RECEIVE THE WEAK IN FAITH
Receive those that are weak in faith (Romans 14:1,4). Consider that whatever one does or does not, in thanksgiving to the Lord, be it in eating or drinking etc., only God is judge thereof. Therefore, speak not evil of thy brethren; for one that judges his brethren speaks evil of the law and judges the law. “There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another”. (Romans 14:6-8; James 4:11-12).
Remember that, when you feel like judging others, “Cast out the beam out of thine own eye: and then thou shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye”. (Matthew 7:5).
- WAIT ON GOD’S SALVATION
Brethren no man on their own strength can overcome the “cup” of temptation which our Dan brethren may serve. Recognising this, Jacob says: “I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD.” (Genesis 49:18). This gives us a clue on how we may spiritually overcome the Dan judging – to wait for God’s salvation. When Jesus was tempted, he prayed “saying, father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless, not my will but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42; Matthew 46:22).
Thus, “It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD… He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him: [and] he is filled full with reproach (Lamentation 3:26,30). When faced with the judging temptations, “take the wine cup of this fury” and drink of it, in hope of God’s salvation. (Jeremiah 25:15). “Look not… when [the wine] giveth his [red] colour in the cup… At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.” (Proverbs 23: 31-33). So, dwell neither on the temptation nor on the tempter, because they will not edify you.
- REVILE NOT WHEN REVILED
But “Consider [Christ], who endured such contraction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds”. (Hebrews 12: 3). When Jesus was judged and mocked with words like: “if thou be the son of God, come down from the cross”; and “he saved others himself he cannot save”, Jesus, waited on the God’s salvation! In this hope, “when he was reviled, reviled not again… but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously”. (Matthew 27:40-43); 1 Peter 2:23; Isaiah 53:7).
Be always minded that “… God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but ill with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13; Galatians 4:13-14; Lamentation 3:21-23)
PRAYER
Almighty Father, I thank you for your word.
All praise and glory be unto thy Mighty Name.
Dear Father, let your will be done in our lives on earth, as it is in heaven.
Gracious Lord, lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Uphold us with sufficient grace in temptations to wait for thy salvation.
God of peace, bruise Satan under our feet shortly.
For the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory are Yours forever, Amen. (Romans 16:20; Matthew 6:10,13).
I make this prayer in JESUS NAME.
Have a blessed HOLY WEEK.
Lots of Love, P. Schwartz (SOG) 10 April 2022.
