February 19, 2022 - Judges 4-5

Deborah, a prophetess, was judging Israel. She summoned Barak and reminded him that he was to go out and fight against Sisera, the general of Jabin’s armies. He had delayed his going. When confronted, his response was that he would go only if Deborah went with him. She agreed but explained, “The road on which you are going will not lead to your glory, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman” (4:9).

After defeating Jabin king of Canaan, Deborah and Barak sang: “That the leaders took the lead in Israel, that the people offered themselves willingly, bless the Lord!” (5:2) Some important lessons, here, I think. One, it is important for leaders to stand up and take the lead. Deborah stood up! Two, where there is good and strong leadership, people are likely to follow. Three, all this, ultimately, is God's doing; thus, the call to bless the Lord. Oh, we work and we labor, but the battle is the Lord’s! Rather than a selection from a hymn, how about a couple Scripture texts (just two, though there are so many), just to remind us that the battle is the Lord’s.

Jahaziel informed King Jehoshaphat, in the battle against Israel’s enemies, “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15; An amazing story, by the way; you should read it.)

And, of course, we always remember John’s encouraging word to us: “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).