June 8
"Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, was a Prophet who was judging Israel...and the Israelites would go to her for judgment. One day she sent for Barak son of Abinoam, who lived in Kedesh in... She said to him, 'This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, commands you: Call out 10,000 warriors from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun at Mount Tabor. And I will call out Sisera...along with his chariots and warriors, to the Kishon River. There I will give you victory over him.' Barak told her, 'I will go, but only if you go with me.' 'Very well,' she replied, 'I will go with you. But you will receive no honor in this venture, for the LORD’s victory over Sisera will be at the hands of a woman."- Judges 4:4-98 (NLT)
While the Bible tells us of many strong women heroes, Deborah is amazing. We may well wonder how Deborah ever earned such respect. As a Judge in Israel, she led troops into battle. But more important, as a Prophet, she led others to live for God after battles were over. She drew Israelites together, formed a nation, and held the loyalty of Barak, a general. A true leader is concerned about spiritual conditions of their people, not just success. Yet great leaders are rare. They accomplish powerful things because they know how to work with others and see bigger pictures that escape lesser minds. Deborah had stunning leadership skills and an incredible relationship with God. Her courage, gifts, integrity, insight, and confidence in God give her a unique position among outstanding leaders throughout history. Yet she was never power hungry. If praised, she gave God the credit. While a woman, mother, and wife in a patriarchal culture, she never allowed herself to be limited by restrictions this could have caused. Her life shows us that, in spite of prejudice or limitations, God can accomplish great things through us if we are willing to be led by him.
Deborah's life demonstrates the need to be obedient to God and encourages us to spend time on wise actions rather than worrying about our limitations and failures. She shows us how to be an effective leader today and what amazing things we can accomplish when God is in control. Yet God chooses leaders by his standards, not ours. The Bible records many other women who held leadership positions but Deborah is exceptional. Don't let prejudices get in the way of who God chooses to lead. God can choose anyone to lead, men or women, including you!
Prayer: Lord, Thank you for awesome leaders like Deborah. Amen.
Meditation For The Day: God's Call encompasses all.
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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