Judges 3-5

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%203-5&version=NIV

In yesterday’s blog, we learned about the cycle of apostasy, servitude, supplication and salvation that is a repeated theme in the book of judges. The cycle is, in fact, the very reason God raises up judges during this time period. Rather than remembering what God did for them in the past, the Israelites again and again repeat the same mistake. They are an apt description of Proverbs 26:11 - As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. Today’s reading provides some worthy lessons for us so that we do not become fools that repeat our folly.

First, it is important to remember that when God’s people forsake him, he will forsake them – but not forever. He very purposefully removes his hand of protection so the people feel the bondage of their sin. He does this because in his wisdom he knows that in distress they will return to him. Does he not do the same in our lives? How many of us can name a time when we chose to walk in the opposite direction of God until our sin brought us into distressing circumstances that left us no where to turn but to God?

Secondly, we learn that when God’s people return to him – when they cry out – he hears them and returns to them. How rich the storehouse of God’s grace must be! The lesson – God, like the father in the story of the prodigal son – is waiting for us to return home. When we do, he runs to us. In the case of the Israelites, he rescued them by raising up a judge and in today’s reading, one of those judges just happens to be a woman.

Most Biblical scholars would agree that Deborah was raised up at this time because a woman judge was acceptable to Sisera who was oppressing them. She is described as a woman intimately acquainted with God, who had the gift of wisdom, who heard the words of God. She was devoted to the service to Israel. There are excellent lessons to be learned in the way Deborah lead and the way the men responded to her.

In her wisdom, Deborah recognized that she herself was not fit to command an army – being a woman. Women – are you willing to recognize that there are things for which men are simply better equipped? Deborah was wise in appointed a man to lead the troops. She recognized that there was nothing she could do without the hands of her general - Barak of Naphtali. Ladies – it is okay to allow a man to fight for you, to be your protector. That does not make you weak, it makes you wise!

Likewise, he recognized that he could do nothing without her head. Men – there will be women like Deborah – close to God, wise and discerning - that God will place in your life. Perhaps they will minister beside you – perhaps you will marry them. Do not be intimidated by their wisdom or by their depth of faith. If they are truly wise, as Deborah was, they will realize that the best path to success in any endeavor includes supporting you, standing behind you, sharing their thoughts, wisdom, insight. Barak dares not fight unless Deborah is with him to direct him and pray for him.

A combination of a man who is willing to stand and fight and a woman who uses her gifts to build him up, support him, and pray for him is a combination for victory in any situation! And so I end today with my favorite verse from today’s reading - the first line from Deborah and Barak’s victory song:

When the princes in Israel take the lead, when the people willingly offer themselves – praise the Lord! - Judges 5:2

Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels