DEBORAH – A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE
Mother’s day is everyday; it’s celebrated all over the world at different date and time. The continent of North America celebrates it in May every year. It’s the second most celebrated season next to Thanksgiving. In this year’s celebration, our country faces two wars and economic depression: loss of jobs and houses; displacements of families, natural calamities and various other challenges. I shall focus on a woman of substance: Deborah, – prophetess, wife, mother, and judge in Israel. In biblical times, in a male dominated world, a woman, a wife, a mother was hearing from God and speaking to the people. She was a judge and held her court in Ephraim in a place called “Deborah’s Palm Tree.” She presided over the affairs of the Israelites who came to her to intervene and decides their disputes. She was also a wife of Lapidoth. God brought her to limelight at a time in history as a fourth judge when the children of Israel fell into idolatry and iniquities. God allowed Jabin, King of Canaan who reigned in Hazor overcame and ruled them for 40 years. The children of Israel cried to God and God gave Deborah, a prophetic message towards their freedom.
Deborah invited a warrior, Barak and passed a prophetic message from God to him to mobilize 10,000 men from the tribes of Naphtah and Zebulum, fight the army of King Jabin’s who resided in Hazor in Cannan. Barak agreed to go to war only if Deborah will go with him. Deborah accompanied Barak and the army to war but warns that the glory and honor of conquering Sisera [king Jabin’s army general] will go to a woman instead of Him. Deborah triumphs alongside with Barak brought a unique episode that make up an extended opening account in the book of Judges. What are the qualities that distinguished this great woman of many parts?
A prophetess: She was a go-between God and the people of Israel: a vessel of honor God willing used and distinguished among men. She maintained her forthrightness and integrity such that she became God’s mouth speak. Her life was a sign post for God that she was able to endear and brought the derailed people of Israel back to their God. The children of Israel had turned to idolatry after the death of Ehud and these affected their relationship with God. However, God found favor in Deborah and used her mightily in reconciling Israelites back to Him. She prophesized to Barak that God wanted him to lead Israel to war against their enemies and He will give them victory. In this instance, God will take glory of His battle as God had preplanned to sell Sisera [the commander of Jubin’s army] into the hand of a woman [Judges 4:6-9, 21]. As Moses said to God, so did Barak to Deborah, “if you do not go with me, I will not go.” She willingly accepted and went with Barak and Israel army to war and was a great inspiration and encourager to Barak and the army of Israel. They defeated the army of Cannan and Sisera [Jabin’s army general] escaped the slaughter by the Israelites and was killed by a woman, Jael, who drove a peg into his head while he was asleep, in fulfillment of Debora’s prophesy. This great woman of valor, served the office of a judge and prophetess in fear of God and equity.
A Wife and Mother: Deborah was a wife of Lapidoth and mother in Israel [Judges 4:4, 7b]. She combined her demanding career and calling with her responsibility of caring for her household. She was a woman of substance who as a judge understood and committed to upholding the laws of God, the lands and marriage institution. She was a respected wife and a kind mother not only to her household but also Israel nation. She was a helper who stood sentinel behind Barak achieving success and victory. She hugged the weak and cheered the strong; directed and strengthened them in achieving God’s purposes in their lives.
A Judge: As a judge she understood the principles of the laws of God and of the lands and applied them equitably to enhance social justice and peace. In a male dominated society, she distinguished herself by being open minded and listening attentively to the cases brought before her court. She had the power of inner mind and précised over the issues of the people in righteousness, integrity and equity. Her excellent and respectful dispositions and fairness encouraged people to bring their concerns to her court. She had a love for God, and heart for the people; related with them in the finest way to accomplished God purpose for His children in the land.
Deborah answered God’s calling as prophetess and appointment as a judge at a very difficult time in the life of the Israel. She did not allow her gender differences to deter her from accomplished God purpose. She trusted God will always fulfills what ever He said through her to the people. In her private and public judgment, she dedicated herself to God and won great battles. She was a source of great re-engineering in the way she faced great obstacles and overcame them. God still accomplishes His purpose through people [male and female] whom He calls and is committed to depending on Him even when they feel inadequate for the task God call them to do. In order to encourage and strengthen Barak and the armies of Israel, she went to the war zone with them and boosted their victory.
Most times Christians face hindrances in our service to the Lord. We get criticized and feel inadequate; face the temptation of dancing with the crowd. Sometimes we forget that the battle we fight is the Lord’s. We are just vessels and did not call ourselves. We should avail and surrender ourselves to the Lord and He will empower us and use us beyond our abilities. In this age and time, beyond our expectations and dreams of imagination, a woman heads an African nation, a woman holds the position of Secretary of State in the United States and Departmental secretaries, leadership position in corporate world, etc. These women are called to accomplished great tasks, greater than their individual abilities. Some of these women are wonderful companions and great wives to their spouses as well as adorable mothers to their biological children and children of the world.
God may have called you equally differently at this difficult time not only to be helpmate to your husband, but a mother and encourager to other women who are passing through difficult moments and need directions; mother to your children and children of the world, some whose biological mother had little or no time with them and may have made wrong choices that keeps them away from their children. At the same time, He may call you to hold your profession and also serve the household of faith with your talents, time and treasure. The multiple tasks show God is at work in the world through His people. Therefore do not give in to negative sentiments, human inabilities and insufficiencies or feel too important to humbly perform the task you have been chosen to do. Awake Deborah and her alikes, avail yourself to He who has called you. He will accomplish His purpose through you beyond your imaginations.
Reach: Evangelist Ogbonnaya, Godswill at: weefreeministries@yahoo.com or P.O.Box 720035. Houston, Texas, 77272.