Deborah
was an outstanding woman in Israel's history. During a period when women were
valued only as child bearers, homemakers, and labourers in the fields, she
arose from obscurity to become the most important person in the nation. She was
a judge, a prophetess, a poet, and a military general, all rolled into one.
Her
country was plundered by the Canaanites. She said: “The inhabitants of the
villages ceased, they ceased in Israel” (verse 7). She was lamenting the
sad state of her people. No one cared about the state of affairs of the nation.
They were prisoners in their own homeland but no one was doing anything about
it.
But,
all that is going to change. It changed because of one woman. Her name is
Deborah. She said she arose a “mother in Israel.” So what does this phrase
“mother in Israel “mean?
Simple:
What does a mother do?
1.
A mother sees a thing that needs to be done and she does it. That’s what
Deborah did. She saw the nation needed a wakeup call. She didn’t sit there and
hope someone will do something. She stood up and did what was to be done
(Judges 4:6).
2.
A mother is a teacher; she is always teaching her children. As a prophetess,
Deborah was speaking the word of God to Israel (Judges 4:4).
3.
A mother encourages and motivates her children. Deborah
arose and stirred up Barak to lead an army to fight the Canaanites (Judges
4:6).
4.
A mother never leaves her children; she is always around when they needed her.
Barak needed Deborah to go with him. Deborah obliged and went (Judges 4:9).
5.
A mother is committed to the household. Deborah was committed to serve the
country (Judges 4:4-5).
Deborah's
life and work shine as stars against the blackness of her surroundings. There
are five things we can learn from her:
1.
Concern - She was concerned for the things happening around her.
2.
Consecration – She came across as different from the rest of the people.
3.
Courage – She summoned a frightened army commander to fight.
4.
Confidence – She trusted in God to deliver them from the enemies.
5.
Commitment – She was a wife. She probably had children. But she had time
for God.
The
woman chosen for the deliverance of Israel was a mother. Sisters, you can be a
modern-day Deborah in spiritual Israel. God has given you special
characteristics to be useful in His kingdom. Whether in the church, home, or
community you can serve as a godly motivator to many in this day of spiritual
decline. Today, the Lord’s church is facing the same crisis: Many of God's
people are lukewarm in their dedication to the Lord. Perhaps, it’s time for you
to stir up the men to work.
I
am thankful for the handful of godly women that we have. They are a blessing to
us today. Sisters, be a Deborah to your sloppy husbands, a brother, or your
sons; stir them up to serve God.
Jimmy Lau
Psa
119:97 Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.
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