Focal Passages: Judges 4:4-8, 12-16; 5:1-5
When we think of the book of Judges, we probably will think of characters like Samson or Gideon. However, the book of Judges tells the story of several leaders in Israel who responded to God’s call. Judges outlines a cycle of disobedience and oppression for the nation of Israel.
In the wake of Joshua’s passing the people of Israel slid into a pattern of idolatry resulting in foreign oppressors that plagued God’s people. During this plight God raised up leaders to deliver His people to victory and renewal of faith. The partnership of Deborah and Barak illustrates one of the more unexpected pairings of the Old Testament.
Allow yourself to be challenged. Deborah was a prophetess filled with the Spirit of God. While Israel was suffering under the heel of the Canaanite king, Deborah judged the people with the wisdom of God. While Deborah fulfilled the role of a civic leader, she did not take men into battle. She summoned Barak and called him to be the military leader Israel needed to subdue their foe.
When Barak received this challenge from Deborah, he could have said, “Who is she to order me around?” Instead, he realized the source of this motivation. He recognized God at work through Deborah and he accepted the call of God. While God defines the roles of church and family leadership clearly in His Word, especially in the New Testament, we must understand that God can challenge us all through a variety of ways and individuals.
Moore
However those invitations arrive, may we share the conviction of Barak to accept them with faith and humility. Barak realized that God’s inspiration and power was with Deborah in her role as prophetess and judge. He accepted the challenge with the caveat that Deborah would go with him.
Do what you are called to do. God called Barak to attack Sisera’s army. Barak’s army had assembled at Mount Tabor, located near the Sea of Galilee in the hill country of Ephraim.
When Sisera arrayed his army to attack, Deborah alerted her commander that this was the time to act, “This is the day the Lord has handed Sisera over to you!” She reassured Barak that the Lord was with him. For 20 years, the Canaanites had terrorized the people of Israel under the yoke of Sisera’s chariots. It is easy to understand Barak’s hesitancy.
Most likely, Barak had spent much of his life witnessing the might of Sisera’s forces. Yet, God called him to be the one to turn the tide. What insurmountable obstacles seem to stand in your way to achieve God’s calling in your life? You may feel comfortable on the mountaintop of assembling. God calls you to the field of action. Do what you were called to do — today.
Give God the glory for your accomplishments. When God gives you the victory, give Him the glory. The heading title in the Christian Standard Bible labels this section, “The Song of Deborah.” However, we must realize that Barak was singing, too! Read Judges 5:2.
So often pastors bewail the lack of volunteerism in the church and members view churches by what is offered rather than seeing the church as primarily a place of ministry. Leaders should lead and the people should serve together — and the LORD will be blessed! How wonderful it is when God’s people come together to accomplish His calling for His glory! B&R
