Chapter 4
The story of Deborah is amazing and inspiring. Read the description of her in verse 4. She was a prophetess, and a judge...and a WIFE. God expects us, even when we are married to find our identity in Him. She was a mighty woman of God, with an identity separate from her husband's.
Verse 8. Barak knows who the leader is, and who God has ordained to lead them.
Verse 9. It would be humiliating for their enemies to lose the battle to a woman, and all the more victorious for God's people to win under a "weaker vessel." Have you noticed this trend in the judges that God picks? Someone who can truly showcase His power.
I just love this in verse 14: "The Lord has gone out before you." We are fighting our own spiritual battles to win the hearts of our neighbors for Christ. Sometimes we can get so scared when we know that God wants us to approach one of them with the good news. But remember, God has gone out before you! He has been working in the hearts of the lost, and has prepared them for the very moment that you walk into their lives.
Verses 17-22 Again, God is giving us an example of a woman that had a serious, down-and-dirty role in His plan. Jael was a woman, someone's wife. Those of us who are hiding behind our husband's spirituality in the name of submission, need to step up and ask God, "What do you want from ME?" You have talents, personality, and relationships that no one else has. There are people that only you can reach, because you are the one that God has strategically placed in their lives. Role up your sleeves and get in the game! Pray that the first one would knock on your door, just like Sisera knocked on Jael's. But in your case, instead of taking someone's life, God has called you to show someone Life.
Chapter 5
I just have a couple comments about this beautiful song that Deborah and Barak sing to the Lord. Song is a natural response to the provision of the Lord.
Verse 5. The mountains quaked at His presence.
Verse 28 Sisera's mother could not have imagined his fate. He was impossibly strong. We also cannot imagine what God has in store for His people. He loves impossible odds.
Verse 31 The land was undesturbed for 40 years.
Okay, I know I said we'd do 3 chapters today, but I want to group the entire Gidian story as one unit. So, I'll meet you back here next time with chapters 6-8.
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