As we continue our series in the book of Judges to chapters four and five, we see that Israel continued to fall into the cycle of sin. Sin always enslaves you in bondage, but Jesus came to set the captives free! God raised up a judge named Deborah to bring His people peace for forty more years.
What Women Do
Deborah’s name means “bee.” She was a Busy Bee, a Queen Bee. She could do it all. She was a wife, “a mother in Israel,” a prophet, judge, song writer, and worship leader! She was like “Miss” Tammy! I did not marry a weak woman. She is my partner in ministry. The problem in the world is not strong women, but weak men! Judges 5:2 says, “When the princes in Israel take the lead… praise the Lord!”
Jesus was revolutionary when it came to women. Just look at the way He interacted and served with them. Women were never called to sit on the sideline. They answer the call of God, use their spiritual gifts, serve in the body of Christ, and make a difference in their day. Thank God for what women do!
What Wives Do
Deborah is introduced in Scripture as the wife of her husband. What a tribute! The leader of Israel is also remembered by God as a faithful, dedicated, loving, supportive, mate. If you are married, your gifting and your calling should not hinder you from being a faithful mate (husband or wife).
Men, we can learn from Deborah’s husband, Lappidoth. He is not intimidated because his wife is a judge. He did not belittle her to make himself look big. He is proud of her. He encourages her. The best thing a husband can do is understand that opposites attract, and let your wife be who God made her to be. Don’t try to make her be someone she is not. A wife and husband should be best friends. Lappidoth allowed his wife to be a blessing to the people of God.
What Warriors Do
You have heard it said, “A man’s got to do what a man’s got to do.” Well, sometimes a woman has to do what a man won’t do! God sent a judge named Deborah to deliver his people. In Judges 4:6-10, we read that she called for Barak to lead as General of the army. He would not go to war without her. Why? Because she was a prophet and he might need a word from the Lord. In verses 15-21, we read about another woman God used, Jael. She risked her own life to protect herself and her children.
Being a wife and mom requires the mental toughness and physical energy of a soldier. In Proverbs 31:10, we read of a virtuous woman. The word “virtuous” is the same word used to describe Gideon as a man of valor. Over 200 times the word is used to describe an army!
What Worshippers Do
Judges 5:1 says, “On that day Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang this song….” They sang this ode, this song, to immortalize the victory that God gave through Deborah, Barak, and Jael. They sang to keep the memory alive. To tell the story to a new generation.
Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil.
The song ends in verse 31: “So may all your enemies perish, Lord! But may all who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength.” This pictures the battle between spiritual light and darkness. One day all the enemies of the Lord will perish! When Jesus died on the cross and they drove nails in his hands and feet, every drop of blood that hit the ground drove a nail in the devil’s head! Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. He came to kill the power of sin over us. We do not have to live in bondage. Jesus wants us to have peace and freedom! Praise God saying, “I will go, give, serve, and worship!”