City Life Starter

Written by Blesson Selvanesan

The Word

¹² When Sisera was told that Barak the son of Abinoam had gone up to Mount Tabor, ¹³ Sisera called out all his chariots, 900 chariots of iron, and all the men who were with him, from Harosheth-hagoyim to the river Kishon. ¹⁴ And Deborah said to Barak, “Up! For this is the day in which the Lord has given Sisera into your hand. Does not the Lord go out before you?” So Barak went down from Mount Tabor with 10,000 men following him. ¹⁵ And the Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and all his army before Barak by the edge of the sword. And Sisera got down from his chariot and fled away on foot.

²³ So on that day God subdued Jabin the king of Canaan before the people of Israel.

Judges 5:12-15, 23 (ESV)

Interpretation

Jabin the king of Canaan had a sophisticated army and a powerful general called Sisera. They had the latest technologies for the warfare and could overwhelm their enemies with men and machine. He and his commander were looking to expand their country’s territory and influence. They thought that Israel was an easy target as their country did not have a leader and people were doing as they saw fit. They took control and Israel ended up as a subservient nation under them.

Deborah appears from nowhere and took charge of the enforcer of laws as a judge. Even though the Israelites knew very well that they are being oppressed because God allowed their enemies to triumph over them due to their sin and rebellion against God. When the burden became too much to bear, the people cried out to God.  Deborah being the prophetess listened to the people and took it to God, and listened to God and took it to her people.

It is likely everyone underestimated her caliber as a prophetess, judge and a leader. Her proximity to God and call for repentance brought in God’s favor. She called Barak to rise up and make an army fight against their nemesis. Barak though hesitant initially, heeded to the call and challenged his men to rise up and join him. Barak and his men did their part, Deborah did her part, Jael did her part and God did His part. They gained freedom again.

Application

Everyone has a role to play to overcome a crisis. Here we see, God throughout the story and is the main character. He gave them over to their enemies when they sinned and He won a battle for them when they all repented. It says “So on that day God subdued…”. God will do great things for His glory even during a calamity and uncertainty. He can use everyone. He used Deborah as a leader, Barak as a commander, Men of Israel as a unified army, Jael as an executioner! Everyone had a part to play and Deborah held everyone together with God. Visionary leadership, partnership with God fearing and repented people are essential for a victory.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your kindness and love. Even when we rebel, You wait patiently for us and let circumstances speak to us. Help us to repent. Help us to listen to Your call and not to look at our circumstances. Thank You for promising victory as You are going before us. Help us to do our part and let us allow You to fight for us. In Jesus’ name, amen.