Family brings responsibilities. The Reubenites and Gadites would have been unbrotherly if they had taken the conquered land and left the rest to fight alone. We've received much from believers before us. If we don't give our best to the church of Christ in return, we're unworthy to be part of it. Others are bravely fighting against the errors of today or rescuing souls from destruction. If we're idle, we risk Meroz's curse.

Jesus asks us, "Why do you stand here idle all day?" What's your excuse? Personal service to Jesus is a duty because some serve cheerfully and abundantly. The work of dedicated missionaries and passionate ministers puts us to shame if we stay inactive. Those at ease in Zion are tempted to avoid trials, wanting the crown without the cross. This evening's question is for them.

If the precious are tried in fire, should we escape the crucible? If diamonds are perfected on the wheel, can we be without suffering? Who commands the winds to stop because we're at sea? Why should we be treated better than our Lord?

The firstborn felt the rod, so why not the younger? Wanting comfort over hardship is cowardly for a soldier of the cross. It's wiser to embrace God's will and find joy in it, like gathering lilies at the cross's foot or finding honey in a lion, just like Samson did.