Has Not the Lord Gone Ahead of You?

This is the seventh and final post highlighting lessons we can learn 

                                              from a variety of different Bible characters.

[From Judge 4-5) 

Deborah sits under a palm tree, helping to resolve disputes and adjudicate law cases. As Israel’s judge and prophet, people come from far and wide to hear her reasoned deliberations. She has a unique position, for she is the only female judge the Israelites have had and is a leader for her people. 

One day, having felt a strong prodding from the Lord, Deborah summons an Israelite general named Barak. She relays a message that is God’s command - gather men for battle against their Canaanite oppressors. As a prophetic leader, her job is to sing encouraging war chants – and a victory song – during and after the battle. 

But Barak wants more from her than war chants. He wants her to be physically present as the men fight. This is an unheard-of proposal. What’s more, Barak says he will not lead the Israelites unless she goes with them. 

Leaders often are defined by how they handle the unexpected, and Deborah rises to the occasion by acting decisively. She agrees to go, but is not content to simply tag along. She informs Barak how he should position the army against the enemy, and she confidently predicts the outcome of the battle. How can she do this? Because she knows that military skill alone will not win the day. Barak will lead the Israelites to victory because of the Lord’s intervention. 

In fact, she asks him a pivotal, rhetorical question: “Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?”

Despite this assurance from God’s chosen representative, Barak hesitates. He now reveals himself to be a tentative and unsure leader. He seems to believe that Deborah’s presence – more than God’s will – is what will assure victory. Because of this, Deborah says Barak will receive no glory from the victory. Instead, the Lord will direct the outcome of this battle and he will deliver the enemy’s commanding general, Sisera, into the hand of a woman. 

And what a battle it is! 

God causes a sudden flood that disables the Canaanite chariots. 

Deborah inspires the Israelites to a mighty victory over their enemy. 

As his army collapses around him, Sisera flees. He finds refuge in the tent of a woman named Jael, who turns on him and kills him. 

Every aspect of Deborah’s prophecy comes true. 

This story always has captured my imagination: the female judge listening to cases, the command of God, the hesitant army leader, the woman leading the army, and the Lord showing his power and might. 

Why does this all happen?

Because God has gone ahead of his people.

Deborah knows this, believes it, and acts.
Barak is told this, he doubts it, and he hesitates.

I don’t know about you, but I find myself identifying with Barak. Like him, I know I can find myself hesitating when I face something big; something that requires me to step out in faith and act on God’s will.

Do you ever feel like that?

If we do…when we do…Deborah shows us the better way. She is just sitting under a tree, going about her business; she certainly doesn't expect to go into battle. Yet when Barak is unwilling to lead, Deborah steps in. She is bold, she is courageous, she acts without hesitation. Why? 

Because she knows that the Lord has gone ahead of Israel.
When that is true – when God has gone ahead of His people – then the only logical response is to act.

Where is God going ahead of you? 

Where do you need to have the faith…the courage…to act?