Twenty years was enough this time as they were tired of being controlled by King Jabin of Hazor. They cried out and God sent Deborah, a woman. Did that surprise you that God would enlist a woman to help him?
We’ve heard that the judges are really warriors, but in Deborah’s case it sounds like she also listened to the people’s situation and made rulings. We read, “Israelites would go to her for judgment.” But as we keep reading we see that she was also a warrior.
Several things spoke out to me in today’s reading over and above the fact this judge was a woman. First, that Deborah delegated. She recognized something in Barak son of Abinoam that fit nicely with the task at hand. When we find those situations in life where we are not acting in our “sweet spot,” it is so much nicer to be able to delegate those tasks to someone else.
For me, at this stage of my life with all that’s going on around us and in our business, delegating meal preparation to our housekeeper because she is needing some extra jobs right now has been a perfect win-win for all of us. Does it mean I can’t cook? No. She’s a much better “Mexican” cook than I (obviously) so it’s a treat to have her do this. Just like for Deborah, it wasn’t that she couldn’t conquer King Jabin, she was giving someone else an opportunity to shine.
The second thing that was pretty clear to me was that Deborah never intended to get any credit for her “judging” in this case. She was content to let another warrior carry out that part of God’s plan. After all, it wasn’t about getting credit at all. Truth be told, it was God’s victory all the way. He spoke what was to happen. Deborah responded and passed on the message, and then it happened. Just as God had said.
What spoke loudest to you?
I also loved how Deborah encouraged Barak. After they were all in position, she said, “Get ready! This is the day the Lord will give you victory over Sisera, for the Lord is marching ahead of you.” Isn’t that what we all want? Confirmation of how God is moving, where he is moving, and that he is just steps ahead of you preparing your path. Take a pause with this image and just sit for a moment.
Let’s pray …
Lord, what a day it has been. I am ever so blessed by how you are moving in my life, and I am so grateful you are just steps ahead getting everything ready. Help me remember not to try to do it all but be content in sharing duties and tasks with others. May I shine in the tasks that use my gifts to glorify you and serve others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
