Saturday, August 24, 2013

By: Gwen Hitt

YOU want ME????

Heroes of the Bible Series 

Day 3: Deborah

Judges 4:4-5  Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time.

The results of a recent Gallop poll indicates that 96% of Americans are now saying that they would vote for a qualified woman for President. For some individuals in our nation, this would not be well-received. For others, it would appear to be an occurrence that should have happened ages ago......

Interestingly, today's scripture references a woman who served as the fourth Judge of Israel around 1200 BC. In ancient Israel, a Judge held the position of ruler and military leader as well as the person who presided over all legal hearings. This was a position of utmost prestige and honor.

I would like for you to consider for a moment the immense responsibility that this position entailed. Also, I would like for you to reflect on the customary role of women in Biblical times. I wonder how the Israelites initially reacted to having a woman serve as their Judge....I wonder how God first revealed His plans to Deborah....I wonder how she responded to His command???

Although the Bible does not shed light on how Deborah became a JUDGE, there is much written on how she JUDGED. First of all, we are told that as a respected prophetess, she regularly heard from God AND that she courageously acted upon what He revealed to her. An example of these admirable attributes can be found in Judges 4:8. When Deborah gave a respected warrior God's command for him to lead a battle in which Israel would achieve great victory, this warrior responded in fear, "I will go, but only if you go with me." This heroic woman not only accompanied the terrified warrior into battle, but she offered words of encouragement that spurred him on to achieve immense success.

My challenge to you today is to accept God's call for your life even if it means assuming responsibilities that may appear to be impossible to accomplish or that may go against the social norms of the day. Deborah was successful in both areas. By heroically fulfilling the plans that God had for her, she achieved peace not only for herself but also for her nation. Judges 5:31 states that under her leadership "....there was peace in the land for forty years."

Dear Lord, Thank You for providing examples of ordinary men and women in the Bible who all achieved much glory for You through their obedience and willingness to do what You called them to do. I pray that I will always heed Your direction for my life.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.