04-04-20

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
April 4, 2020
Scripture: Judges 4:4-5
Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was a leader of Israel at that time. She would sit under Deborah’s palm tree between Ramah and Bethel in the Ephraim highlands, and the Israelites would come to her to settle disputes.

Thought for the Day: Deborah is one of the 12 Judges in the Book of Judges, though she is the only woman among the group. I must confess that I have always been drawn to Deborah because she tells you how it’s going to be, and she doesn’t mince words, especially when she breaks into song (chapter 5). When Barak was hesitant about going into battle, and suggested that he would go only if Deborah went with him, her response was classic. She said, “I’ll definitely go with you. However, the path you’re taking won’t bring honor to you, because the LORD will hand over Sisera to a woman” (vs.9). In a time when women rarely had a voice, and quite often their characters in scripture were not valued enough to even receive a name, I appreciate what I can only describe as one who was sassy, saucy and secure. In today’s world, a strong and confident woman is still not respected in the way a man is (sadly), but in those ancient days, Deborah must have caught some people off guard. It’s interesting that she not only received attention in the Book of Judges, but she received two full chapters, only being out “worded” by the story of Samson. Since the victors, and those in power, write history and the national stories, what does it tell us that men (probably a man wrote Judges) included Deborah in the story?

Prayer: I don’t ever wish to be arrogant, O God of Grace, but I desire to be strong and confident in my faith. Let Deborah be a model for me as I live and serve with a spirit of assurance and resilience. Amen.

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