City Life Starter

Written by Paul Lane

The Word

“Then Barak said to her, ‘if you will go up with me, then I will go; but if you will not go up with me, then I will not go.’ And she said, ‘I will surely go with you; nevertheless, the honor shall not be yours on the journey that you are about to take, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hands of a woman.’ Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh.”

Judges 4:8-9

“…And the land was undisturbed for forty years.”

Judges 5:31

Reflection

As I read and listened to this story and song, I was drawn to the thought that leadership and honor are to be sought, not shunned. Leadership is difficult and is more oriented toward service and commitment.  Back in the 90’s a number of large companies started using the term servant leaders. To emphasize the point, they started drawing the organization charts with the leaders at the bottom of the page and the rest of the organization above them. The leaders had to serve the organization by planning for its wellbeing. They had to serve the board and stockholders by reporting and staying accountable. And they had to serve the employees by making sure they had all of the direction and resources they needed to get the job done.

For honor to be seen correctly, think of a small town, with a Mr. Mayor and the Mr., Ms., & Mrs. Town Council Members, and the Mr., Ms., & Mrs. Towns People. Let’s say that they decided to have a town parade to recognize Ms. Fire Chief for her brave actions during the fire the week before. Now suppose that just as the parade gets started little Jimmy Spivey, age 5, decides to jump out into the street and march ahead of the parade. What is to be done with such a boy? Sure, there’s room for people to either enjoy or criticize his antic. But no one could say that he is the cause of the parade. While it is good to credit the Town Council for planning the parade, it is the brave actions of Ms. Fire Chief that must be celebrated here. Without a cause and a favorable outcome, honor is vapid.

It is honor and causes and bravery and the willingness to stand that God eagerly seeks to support. These are heavenly commodities whose worth never fades. If we are to be a people built for eternity, then we must also be a people who seek eternal things. So, it is right to pursue them. And having done all that we can to lay hold of them, we know that we shall. And in the balance of our struggles, the peace of Christ will reign.

Application

Though you may have an ordinary day, you should remember that it is connected with God’s extraordinary plan. So, you should attend the details of your day with faith and hope, and know that God is watching over your work. This story of Deborah serves as a great example of people answering the call that is on their lives. Think of your challenge for the day (hopefully no hammer and tent pegs required) and consider how they may be related to God’s call on your life.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I accept that you are calling me to a higher thing than I would assign to myself. That being so, I trust also that you have made provision for me to accomplish it. So, I pray your grace and wisdom in all my tasks, and I trust you for a wonderful outcome. Many thanks and praises to you oh Lord.  Amen.