In the song in chapter 5, we also see Deborah described herself also as a mother in Israel. Clear back in the time of the desert wanderings, Yahweh had promised Israel, If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands. 4 After Ehud had died, the Israelites again did things that the Lord saw as evil. When a judge would die, it was typical that in that vacuum of leadership, the people would backslide into sin and wickedness again. Open your Jael's Extraordinary Day Judges 4:17-24 Jael's life was nothing if not predictable. And we still have Christ leading the way. She is the only individual, throughout the book, who actually worked in the capacity of Judge in Israel. Its a great exercise: read Judges 45, marking all the references to God. She was a prophet and a judge and one day, Deborah sent a message to a man named Barak. intense, crazy story? Extra-biblical reference The people of God fall back into the same pattern of wickedness. Now, she does give Gods judgment on Baraks weakness: Sisera himself will die not by Baraks hand, but by the hand of another strong woman, Jael. 5 Church Growth Essentials From The Apostle Paul. Is that In Judges 4 and 5, we meet two women Deborah and Jael. That was something that would have helped curb the evil being done by the people. But in the book of Judges they disobey him again and again, growing from bad to worse. When we celebrate the strength of Deborah, we celebrate a woman who speaks and obeys Gods word and who sings it with all her heart! The two strong women bookend the narrative like pillars holding up the house. Deborah speaks Gods word; she obeys it; and, finally, she sings it! When we celebrate the strength of Deborah, we celebrate first the all-powerful God in whose story Deborah takes part. Thats surely because of a lack in his faith and how he lives it out. And you dont have to be an ordained officer in the church to provide leadership. I love the picture of Deborah, wife of Lappidoth, sitting at work under that palm tree in the hill country of Ephraim, and the people of Israel came up to her for judgment (Judges 4:45). So, God allowed these to become thorns in their side, according to Judges 2:3. Things seem to be getting worse and worse, in general. So often we are afraid to step out of our comfort zones and become everything the Lord has called us to be. Note here, by the way, the reference to Jabins 900 hundred chariots of iron. Of course, in Deborahs time, the written word was not yet complete, and God spoke at many times and in many ways by his prophets whereas now, in these last days, God has spoken to us by his Son (Hebrews 1:12). One of the struggles I often hear folks That means there are frontline jobs for both men and women. Chariots back then were kind of like what tanks are to a modern army. They will do their work from today through Tuesday, the 26th. Its a blessing the Lord doesnt give us the whole plan for our lives in advance, because most of us would answer with a resounding No! Dont let the enemy get in your head and tell you God will never use you to do great things. Of course, the Bible doesnt see that as something appropriate for a woman to be a military commander. And interestingly, they abandon their chariots and flee on foot. Judges 4-5 9/29/13 Deborah and Jael - "Into the Hand of a Woman" As we continue our sermon miniseries today on key women of the Bible, we continue our marching through redemptive history. Whatever you tell us to do, we want to be brave for You. of the women of the Bible. What then happens again? And find your strength in him for this battle: Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Thats what we see here at the start of chapter 4, and its so typical for the time of the judges. Brenda Loreman. That he ends up a bit shamed in the whole situation because he didnt be the man of courage in the Lord that he should have been. It describes the chaos to the horses that came from this. Things were so bad that Sisera abandoned his chariot and his men and fled on foot, leaving his army to fend for themselves. Sermon, "A Way Forward: Which Way?" Assassins are never heroes in the history of Americans, for So God used Jael, a woman, to defeat the leader of the Canaanite army just like Deborah had said. Church Of God, Whats a womans role in the church? God already said that He would make it so that Barak won the battle. Round yon virgin mother and child. And time and again we see God especially calling that to be a role for men to fill among Gods people. Judges 4:2, Denomination: See, just like many of you, this too is my very first sermon on Deborah and Barak. Here is an abridged version of the Judges cycle Pastor Pam Otten is the pastor of Renew Church, a mobile church plant serving in low income housing in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. of his words as flattering he wants Deborahs wisdom and leadership there Scripture: Judges 4:1-24, Judges 5:1-31 Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist Summary: By the Hands of a Woman 1 2 Next September 10, 2022 After Ehud died, we find Israel doing what they did best. Scripture: document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Not that there was no king or queen. And very important: dont lead ignorantly. Lord. Over and over, the people seem to make the same mistakes, seem to turn Will you encourage others to do it, too? I dont think Deborah would have minded; in fact, this is what Deborah was after: to lift up Israels leaders to encourage them and help them act like leaders. When God calls him to go and take ten thousand men up against Jabins army led by the evil Sisera, notice what he says. Deborah not only speaks Gods word; she obeys it. Barak left Mount Tabor with his 10,000 men and went to engage Sisera. And make sure you do not lead out of pride, or arrogance. She is a member of the Womens Transformation and Leadership Guiding Coalition. She covered him with a rug to hide and comfort him. They did not yet have any kings, but instead during this time, there were judges, and God would occasionally raise up such judges to help them when the remaining heathens in the land afflicted them. God will make it so that you will win the battle., But Barak said, Deborah, you have to come with me to fight the Canaanites, or I wont go., Why did Barak want Deborah to go with him when he went to fight the Canaanites? We want to do (Examples could include Moses sister Miriam, Queen Esther, and others. And so Jael feigns to give Sisera refuge, but kills him in his sleep. She clearly heard the voice of the Lord. Theres no biblical formula for a strong, godly woman. Even a "nobody" can do something extraordinary in the hands of God. your ear, I will sing to the Lord, I will make a melody to God. The song that May I bless God for his saving purposes in calling his people to serve our perfect Deliverer together and may I be prepared to wage spiritual battle along with and in every way possible, helping the overseers chosen to lead the body of Christ. She agrees to go with him, but now the promise of God is changed in light of his partial obedience. To this end, lets make four observations about this story of a strong woman. Dont be like Barak and say I can only serve the Lord based on my own added conditions. To start saving items to a SermonFolder, please create an account. Well, this is flushed out in the song in the next chapter. This is the day that Yahweh has given Sisera into your hand. Holy infant, so tender and mild. No doubt, this is a serious issue. And this is a battle we know well. read more, Scripture: in their being sold into the hand of King Jabin. Twenty years of cruelty. Part 1 Fight Like A Girl She said: "I will surely go with you. strange story, but it is one story of many in this long cycle of judges, and They returned to ways even more corrupt than those of their fathers, following other gods and serving and worshiping them. Sisera was so exhausted, he fell asleep. Heber the Kenite Come in, my lord and dont be afraid, she said. a Mother of Israel. He flees and seeks safety in the tent of Jael, the The encouragement of this passage is that God can and does use women in amazing ways and in varying circumstances. Looking back at my life so far, I see the Lords hand in so many of my experiences, preparing me for what I am today: a co-vocational business owner and pastor of a church plant. In those days the male elders of a city would sit at the city gate making judgments on disputes and witnessing transactions {see Ruth 4:1-12}. Passage: Judges 4 - 5 Good evening, we're continuing with our sermon series on the book of Judges. Introduction She did not know it, but all these rescues pointed to the one great rescue God would accomplish finally through that promised seed, his own Son. No, that there was no king. Boredom and monotony were her Barak I mentioned that the judges in the book of Judges tend to display some weakness or limitation in them. Again, I would submit to you that this is out-of-the-ordinary as well. But the leader of the Canaanite army, a man named Sisera, ran away from the battle when he saw that his army was losing. Sleep in heavenly peace. This week, I read news stories about North Korea testing a missile that perhaps could reach across the whole of the United States. read more, Denomination: They were too tired and discouraged to fight. Contents Then, Deborah and Barak took 10,000 Israelite soldiers and fought against the Canaanites. This doesnt even account for Jabins vast amount of solidiers, described as a multitude in verse 7. read more, Scripture: The Jews, Sermons on deborah and barak: showing 1-15 of 999 Sort By Scripture Rating 5 stars 4 stars or more 3 stars or more Any Rating Date Last Week Last Month Last 3 Months Last 6 Months Last Year Any Time Denominations *other (19) Anglican (11) Apostolic (5) Assembly Of God (55) Baptist (229) Bible Church (6) Brethren (4) Calvary Chapel (26) Catholic (3) Spouse Heber the Kenite Yahweh will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CityHarvestAGChurch/featured Normally, God would raise up the judge in this book to particularly lead the people in military victory over the enemy. And I'm not going to talk about it today. God can use many ways to confirm it to us over and over. exactly what this oppression looks like, but its a long enough time to be As students call out the names, write them on the board or on a piece of paper. 4. Christian/Church Of Christ. consistent grace within and throughout them. we sure weve got it all figure out, giving us grace even, perhaps especially Pams personal calling is to set people free from whatever holds them back from living an abundant life in Christ, through prophecy and healing prayer. Deborah's amazing influence as a w. It is an insult that is still used today on playgrounds across the globe. Why should we praise god and how often should we be doing it? for forty years, a meaningful duration of time in the scriptures. Scriptures: Well, verse 3 says they cry out to God. And the cycle ), Do you think Barak should have been afraid? I am living in his story. Also, we see in this story another women, Jael. She sat under her own palm tree, between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the people came to her. colleagues responded saying that it depended on what the good news was that I with me, I will not go. Its unclear why he responds this way. enough good news for this story? At our animate faith study this spring, we talked about a He accepted that God had called him, but he didnt trust that anyone would actually show up to the draft board. Sometimes the ordinary seems mundane, but occasionally it turns exraordinary. Well, saints of God, in the face of a church that too often lacks leadership, see again the Lord Jesus Christ. So, Barak ends up calling out an army of 10,000 sons of Israel. Follow along as Mrs. Cindy Bell teaches this lesson on Deborah and Jael in her "Women of the Bible" series.Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/So. Even though our list shows more men leaders than women leaders, our story today shows that God can work through women just as much as He can through men. Introduction: We all have great plans and desires in life. The team with the most points at the end wins. Evening Service Well, there really isnt anything negative stated about Deborah. According to the author, the people and their leaders seem to go Dare I put it like this: Because he required a woman to go with him to battle, he would not get the credit for the victory over Sisera, but a woman would get the credit instead. Living in the low mountains of Eastern Israel, bordering Canaan, among the scorpions and rocks and dust, Jaels life was difficult at best, and monotonous at worst. One expects more of the same kind of story found elsewhere in Judges. And the army of King Jabin is being steadily conquered. Rev. Believe and trust God has the very best plan for you, and follow him to where he is working today. read more, Scripture: Tribes that were farther away geographically, who probably werent feeling the effects of Jabin, did not see fit to come to the aid of Barak and these tribes. Why? And even then Barak waffles and looks for Deborah to help him lead, and then hes shamed by the fact that the victory would go to a woman, Jael. February 10, 2008 Judges 5:7 says, Villagers in Israel would not fight; they held back until I, Deborah,arose, until I arose, a mother in Israel. Of all the things Deborah could have legitimately called herselfjudge, prophetess, deliverer, intercessor, worshipershe chose to call herself a mother. He ran to the tent of a woman named Jael because he knew Jael and wanted her to help hide him. The people of God turn from God and engage in some widespread evil. And the Council of Bishops, in turn, created the Commission to present possible plans for action to this specially called General Conference. This is a narrative of an ordinary day turning into much more. 1 2 3 4 Next Possessing the Promises #3 Deborah & Barak (With a little help from Jael) The story Well, we see in the text that Baraks response is less than ideal, because of how Deborah responds. He is the only source. Well, I thought it necessary to comment briefly on that here, and especially because I think it helps us understand this passage better. Wake up, wake up, break out in song! Acts 15:1-31, Sermon for the First Sunday in Advent, "Hope: A Thrill of Hope," Mark 1:1-8, Sermon for Second Sunday in Advent, "Peace: All Is Calm, All Is Bright," Isaiah 11:1-10, Mark 13:24-37. Christians who struggle to believe that God would intentionally appoint a woman to lead often argue that Deborah was chosen because no man stepped up to fill the role of judge. Verse 11 of chapter 4 seems to provide us with an irrelevant piece of information Heber, the Kenite, a descendent of Moses father-in-law, lived at Elon-bezaanannim, near Kadesh. Now, yes, Christs victory like that is something particularly reserved for the end. If so, what would that prayer sound like today? In other words, theres the debate in more recent times presented by certain evangelical feminists that the historic, and I would also add Biblical, practice of men being the leaders in the church and in their family is not Biblical. God let the Moabites conquer them as their punishment. And so Deborah is described as a prophetess, judge, and mother for the people. Shes used by God to call Barak to lead. Reading Time: 3 mins. * This morning, as we gather for worship, delegates from the United Methodist Church around the world are gathered in St. Louis for the Special Session of General Conference. And for both the men and women today, I close with this thought: In the Old Testament warfare that we see here today, its the sons that were called to take up the arms, given its physical nature. Lead in studying the Scriptures. Last week we learned about Godly Leader/Judge Deborah, Israels Army Commander Barak, and a special woman Jael who decided to take the life of an evil person Sisera who was the commander of the Army who went against Israel. And so the sense you get here is that we are a bit surprised to find a woman judge who has to step up and urge Barak to do what he should have done. read more, Scripture: My mom, however, says she doesnt want to be disappointed twice, both by thinking something bad is going to happen, and then by having the bad thing actually happen. Charles Spurgeon preached a wonderful sermon on this passage titled Sin Slain on how the we can take Sisera as a type of sin, and his . Judges 4:4 - Now at that time Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel. And to lead in putting away wickedness and keeping Gods covenant laws. Our website has teaching material for children of all aged starting with the church nursery (age 0-1 years old), toddlers (age 2-3 years old), preschool (age 4-5 years old), young elementary (age 6-8 years old), older elementary (age 9-10 years old), and preteen youth ministry groups (age 11-12 years old). This much seems clear. Describe a time when God helped make clear something you were called to do. Oh boy, now weve done it. ORDINARY: A dying, hopeless world is waiting for you to be obedient. planned to share from this passage. She would not have heard the Lords strategic battle plans as an intercessor. In a similar vein, in verse 8 of the song in chapter 5, there is mentioned how there wasnt a sword or spear seen among 40,000 in Israel. Release me from any limitations I, others, or the enemy have put on my life that have kept me from the great plans you have for me, so that I might wake up and arise to shine the glory of the Lord! Deborah was one of these judges, and she is the primary women we will consider today. thoughtfully like to gloss over the less savory parts of the stories of Then, she hid him under some blankets so that the Israelite army wouldnt find him. Judges 4:1-17. 1 Deborah (and Jael) A sermon preached at Niles Discovery Church in Fremont, California, on May 12, 2019, by the Rev. And yet though hes put alongside those judges, hes not actually called a judge here in Judges 4 and 5. Last week we had reached the time of the conquest. After Well, as we assess this story, a question that tends to come up is this: Is this the Bible affirming that women should hold official office in his church. What a strange victory! admire. You will be blessed in the process, and so will we all. To lead in victory over the enemies. They returned to ways even more corrupt than those of their fathers, following other gods and serving and worshiping them. You see, the Bible is clear when it teaches elsewhere that men are called to be leaders, and that positions like pastor and elder in the church are to be reserved for qualified men. Heber is part of a clan of people called Kenites, Using imagery that recalls the exodus, Deborah sings glory to God for his deliverance of his people, including the destruction of their enemies. Today, the legislative session will begin. Deborah and Jael and Barak are part of a compellingly Women and men of God, its time for you to be bold and courageous and do the unique and amazing things God is calling you to do. leadership, Baraks military action, and Jaels, well, decisive actions. away from us, and one story of many where we fail to see Gods constancy Mix up the cards and give each student a card that says Faith or Fear. How can you show courage this week? time in which the Israelites moved into the Promised Land after the death of I thank you, Lord, that you love to do extraordinary things through ordinary people like me. The Book of Judges provides Sisera fell asleep under all those blankets because he was so tired from fighting in the battle and then, running away from the Israelite army. The more we see just how the Bible shows us Deborahs strength, the better we see its beauty and importance. Ultimately, this experience helped give me the courage to step out and start my own business. Play continues until the timer runs out. Seventh-Day Adventist. The Lord never wastes an experience, and I now realize this was the very beginning of my preaching training. But when Ehud died, the Israelites started sinning again. He tells Deborah, that if she goes with him, then hell go up to battle. There are a lot of amazing stories of women serving God throughout the Bible, but few compare to that of Deborah and Jael. Led by Joshua, we saw Israel beginning to conquer the heathen nations in the Promised Land. Amen. Judges 4:1-24, Judges 5:1-31, Denomination: Judges 4:17-24 Judges 4 is an historical account of God's deliverance of Israel through Deborah, Barak, and Jael. Jael's Nationality Kenite Deborahs story would not be complete without acknowledging Jael, another woman who stepped up to literally stake her claim in history. A prophet hears God's voice and speaks God's message to the people. She would not have extended her compassionate mothers heart beyond her family to all of Israel. bless the Lord! (Judges 5:2). Sermon from October 25: Deborah the Judge Sunday, October 25, 2020 Robert Keefer Categories: Sermons Deborah the Judge Reformation Sunday (O. T. 30); October 25, 2020 Judges 4:4-10 A warning: there is violence in this story. Dont lead harshly. All Rights Reserved. Learn how your comment data is processed. But clearly Deborah and Jael show an initiative and courage and boldness that you would have normally expected to see from someone like Barak and the other sons of Israel. A woman named Deborah was the leader of Israel after Ehud died. So when we get to the time in Judges where Deborah is highlighted as the judge, we see the typical story and cycle. Take captive your captives,son of Abinoam.. And it seems the whole point here is that once Deborah urged him to step up and lead, that he didnt quite do this. The sense is that so many more could have been gathered for this army, but so many of Israel didnt want to get involved. You can also find this lesson for Kindle or in print in my book, The Judges and Ruth Children Sunday School Lessons. from the book of Judges, it might be the story of Samson and Delilah. Im, Perhaps we find some good Judges 2:19, Judges 4:1-24, Judges 4:1-5:31, Judges 4:4, Judges 5:1-31, Leviticus 26:3-8, Ruth 4:1-12, Sermon Topics: Every day, Deborah could be found seated under the "Palm Trees of Deborah" determining . Now at first glance we might think this means that Deborah would get the credit. They are imperfect and sometimes weak, and so am I. She then recounted the difficulties Israel was facingthe highways were deserted, village life had ceased"until I, Deborah, arose, arose a mother in Israel" (Judges 5:7). She is also highlighted here and we will consider her in part today as well. First, this group of human What do you hear the Spirit saying to you/your family/your church/your community. Essential 100 Series WE CAN HINDER GOD BY THE PERSPECTIVE I AM JUST AN ORDINARY PERSON. By the way, note that Jael was not an Israelite, but a Kenite. End by emphasizing that God never wants to punish us. Judges 4, Judges 5, Denomination: 3 The Israelites cried out to the Lord because Sisera [] had nine hundred iron chariots and had oppressed the Israelites cruelly . Sisera came into Jaels tent and she made him comfortable - covering him with a blanket. But it is unclear who her children were: she was a mother in Israel, but also a mother over Israel (it can be translated both ways). Introducing Deborah. Seventh-Day Adventist, After Ehud died, we find Israel doing what they did best. the first two students run toward each and show each other their cards. You carry the hope this world needsthe hope of Jesus Christand its time to stop hiding and playing small. Arise, Barak! God worked in these unexpected ways to raise up the leadership needed to bring salvation for Israel from these Canaanite foes. We find her story in 2 Kings 22:14-20: Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Acbor, Shaphan and Asaiah went to speak to the prophetess Huldah, who was the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe. The people then realize their sin, and cry out to God for help. ), So, Deborah said, I will come with you, Barak, but since youre acting afraid, God will use a woman to win the battle instead of you.. She was valued as a "mother in Israel"a title of honor and renown. Summarize Judges 4 with the following story, asking the included questions as you read. While he was asleep, Jael took a hammer and a spike and snuck up on Sisera. Most basically, this Spirit-inspired poetry shows a heart turned toward the Lord God and his purposes. Instead for some they even made peace treaties when God had told them not to. Barak shows up on the scene too late, so to speak, and in verse 22, Jael takes Barak to see the slain Sisera. Deborah was a busy woman. Two of them are Hakim and Bet Zuri. They needed someone to inspire them, and the Lord chose Deborah. The NIV does a good job of interpreting the sense of Deborahs words here in verse 9. To save items to a SermonFolder, please sign in to your account. Deborah to Barak: Get up! Didnt want to come rise up, and take courage, and fight to come the aid of their oppressed brethren. Sermons, Lectionary Notes, Sung Communion Liturgies, and reflections on ministry, Sermon 2/24/19 Acts 15:1-31 A Way Forward: Which Way? God made it so that the Israelites won the battle, and all the Canaanite soldiers were killed. Remember the picture of Christ seen in Revelation 19. There is some element of faith here, for sure. There are two (broad) hermeneutic teams playing on the exegetical field here. Yet this doesnt mean he is not powerfully engaged even now in a way that reflects our place in redemptive history. For the men of Israel to be strong and of good courage. (For a deeper dive into the life of Deborah, read The Deborah Anointing by Michelle McClain-Walters.). what hymns might be suitable to go along with this scripture text. Well, then, we learn in verse 4, that there was a woman named Deborah. I MUST SEE BEYOND THE PERSPECTIVE THAT I AM AN ORDINARY PERSON, BUT I HAVE TO SEE THE PERSPECTIVE OF AN EXTRAORDINARY GOD. The opening verses of chapter 4 tell us that the Realize, these are the sons of Israel, not the daughters, that are supposed to be doing this. was one of the judges of Israel. Barak was the son of Abinoam of the tribe of Naphtali. Jael took a hammer and pounded a tent peg into Siseras temple, killing him. Deborah: "A mother in Israel". sees this, he runs away. Deborah, was a prophetess, a woman called by God to urge Israel to fight for its liberation.
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