The name ‘Judah’ means praise. Judah was chosen to be the chief and ruling tribe of the twelve tribes of Israel (Genesis 49:8-12). The scepter of a king and the office of a lawgiver were all allotted to Judah. Genesis 49:10 says:
“And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.”
Judah is a similitude of the church. In Judah, we can see a shadow of the things to come with respect to the church. Just like Judah, believers are the royal priesthood, expected to show forth the praises of God (1 Peter 2:9-10).

The prophet Isaiah was sent with a message primarily to Judah and Jerusalem – the seat of Judah’s power (Isaiah 1:1). This message contained instructions, reproof, warnings, comfort and encouragement from God to His people. At the time of Isaiah’s prophecy, the kingdom of Israel had become divided and weakened through civil wars and conflicts with other nations. This same situation applies to the present-day church. The Church today engages in several battles. There are fights within and wars without (2 Corinthians 7:5). Judah was rebellious and ignorant (Isaiah 1:2). They were corrupt, degenerated, depressed, and laden with iniquity; having backslidden, forsaken God, and provoked Him to anger. Just like Judah, many modern-day Christians live in ignorance and sin. In this deplorable state, the demand of God on Judah in Isaiah 1:16-18 was:
“Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
This speaks of repentance and total consecration. As a Christian, God expects that you present your body as a living sacrifice which must be holy and acceptable to Him (Romans 12:1). Your consecration to God should be personal, voluntary and sacrificial. How committed are you to God? Is your consecration total? Examine yourself.

Memorise:
Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee.
Genesis 49:8

Read:
Isaiah 1:1-6

Bible in one year:
2 Samuel 8:15-11:27
Proverbs 11:4-17

Action Point:
Do a thorough self-assessment today. Repent of the short comings you identify.

---

Culled from Open Heavens daily devotional for October 13, 2014 by Pastor E.A Adeboye.
Visit www.dailydevotionalsonline.com everyday to read a daily devotional.

---

Register on www.sleeksmart.com for your online phonebook (personal and company phonebook) with SMS facility and bulk SMS (PERSONALISED and non-personalised bulk SMS) services etc.