Women to the Rescue
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Now Deborah, a prophetess….was judging Israel at that time. She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the people of Israel came up to her for judgment.” Judges 4:4-5 ESV
The Church fellowship that I belong to has been unique in its recognition of the ministry of women since its founding in 1914. I remember our current national leader once saying, “God is an equal opportunity employer and so is the Assemblies of God.” As a result, women have been ordained into ministry well before “women’s rights” became a political issue.
This position was not based on some modern political philosophy but on the belief that the Old Testament Joel declared, “I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.” (Joel 2:28 NIV)
In the New Testament we read, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28 ESV)
Throughout time women have been uniquely used by God in “His-story” as we see the plan of redemption being fulfilled.
Deborah is one of the “judges” or leaders of Israel before the time of the Kings. She was married and she was a prophetess. So, she had spiritual gifts and insight that were recognized by the people and they sought her God-given wisdom and direction.
When the time for battle came the Lord spoke through her to Barak to summon soldiers and go to war. He was willing if she went along. Perhaps the observation here is, it seems he was treating her as a “good luck charm” more than being obedient to the voice of the Lord spoken through her.
She said she would go, but he would forfeit the credit for the victory and it would go to a woman instead. What is of interest is that the story ends with another women, Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, who kills the enemy King when he seeks refuge inside of her tent. As the King is sound a sleep from his fatigue in battle, Jael takes a tent peg and hammer and drives it through his temple into the ground. (Talk about a splitting head ache!)
This victory in battle was immortalized with song recorded in Judges 5.
Two key points –
1-God in His sovereignty uses and empowers whom He chooses to accomplish His purposes
2 – In Christ is found true equality and the removal of the curse on male and female through the “fall.” The guidelines are found in God’s Word, not modern political agendas.
Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You for doing Your work through all those You choose and who trust in You. In You alone are the real barriers and categories of race, culture and status broken down.