City Life Starter

Written by Megan Meier

The Word

“Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. She held court under the Palm of Deborah…the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided.”

Judges 4:4-5

“‘Certainly I will go with you…So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh.”

Judges 4:9

“Then Deborah said to Barak, ‘Go! This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?…”

Judges 4:14

“But Jael, Heber’s wife, picked up a tent peg and a hammer and went quietly to him [Sisera] while he lay fast asleep, exhausted. She drove the peg through his temple into the ground, and he died.”

Judges 4:21

Reflection

Alright, I have to get this out of my system: Girl power!

Now back to the devo!

Deborah was a prophetess and the only female judge mentioned. A female leader wasn’t very common (and still isn’t). The fact the Israelites were coming to her for advice says a lot about her wisdom and character, she probably had experience with stepping up at this point. Even so, Deborah could’ve thought of a thousand reasons not to go with Barak to the battle site, and nobody would blame her. She could have said, “I’m busy” and she would be right. Not only was she leading Israel, she had a husband and probably kids, maybe she was even taking care of her elderly parents or in-laws. And it wasn’t safe, especially for a woman who wasn’t trained in combat. I picture her going home, calling a family meeting, saying, “Honey (Lappidoth), you take care of Grandma and Grandpa and the kids, Sweetie (the oldest child), you do the laundry, and leftovers for dinner tonight. Mommy is going to battle and Israel will be free.” It’s interesting to note she also served as a motivational speaker to Barak, who was really insecure and needed help in stepping up to lead the army.

When Sisera hid and slept in Jael’s tent, she also could have thought of a thousand reasons not to step up and kill Sisera, “He’s probably faking sleep, he’s a trained warrior and I’m not, what will Heber say when he hears of this,…” Like Deborah, she did not let fear make her hesitate. Jael went all Buffy the Vampire Slayer on Sisera and was a tool in Israel’s rescue.  

Application

In the musical Into the Woods, Cinderella’ mother (the tree) told her daughter, “Opportunity is not a lengthy visitor.” Opportunity does not last long, Deborah and Jael knew that, and they had to act right then and there. Is there an opportunity in your life you’re hesitating on? Instead of thinking of the reasons not to do it, consider the good that can come of stepping up, and as Nike says, “Just do it!”

Prayer

Dear Jesus, help me to step up when opportunity comes along. Help me not to let fear or busyness get in the way. Instead of worrying of the reasons not to do it, let me consider the good in stepping up. In Your name I pray, amen.