The scriptures are filled with examples of faithful and deliberate servants of the Lord High God, as well as tales of those who failed so to be. One of my favorites of the faithful ones is that of Judith. We read of her response to God’s call in a book in the Apocrypha bearing her name 16.13-16: ‘I will sing a new song to my God. O Lord, you are strong and glorious! You have never been defeated. Let all your creatures serve you.’ And she is just getting started with her commitment word.

She continues with a statement of clear recognition of this God whom she is choosing to serve: ‘You gave the command and all of them came into being; you breathed on them, and all of them were created.’ There is clear evidence that she is aware of the decision she is making to serve this One who is the Almighty.

Having worshiped the God of all creation, Judith gives witness to the immediate presence of God through her service to him—she is utterly and eagerly committed: ‘No one can oppose your command. The mountains and the seas tremble, and rocks melt like wax when you come near.’ The God of all power is present!

But what makes the difference for this Lady of faith is her desire to please God above all else: ‘But there is mercy for all who obey you. The Lord is more pleased with those who obey him than with all the choice meat on the altar, or with all the most fragrant sacrifices.’ Judith’s faith and obedience saved Israel from destruction. I pray we can be obedient enough to save even ourselves! YES!