Deborah, perhaps one of the greatest, if not the greatest woman of the Old Testament, known for her great courage and faith was a judge and prophetess in Israel for forty years.  She answered the call of God without question or pause.  She was a woman of power and respect in a society and world which was male dominated.  God raised Deborah up as a judge of His people when once again they had forsaken him, turning to idolatry and had been captured by an invading army, King Jaban and the Canaanites.

Very early in the account we are introduced to Sisera, the Captain of the Canaanite army (Jud 4:6).  When called upon to deliver God’s people, Judge Deborah called upon Barak to lead Israel’s army.  Sisera had a force to be reckoned with as he commanded nine hundred chariots.  Barak immediately agreed but only if Deborah would go with him into battle (4:8).  This alone may say something about the degenerative condition of Israelite society, not degenerative in a way which would degrade women, but rather an indictment against male leadership in Israelite society.  Another example and non example would be the tribes which answered the call to arms for God’s people, but negatively as well the tribes who refused the call of Deborah to help God’s people.  It was to be God’s fight, but there were those who refused the call as well as those who answered it.

As the battle ensued, God quickly turned the tide against Sisera in favor of the Israelites.  A torrential rain came in a season of the year which generally sees no rain.  Sisera had commanded his army of chariots down a seemingly dry riverbed.  But when the rains came and winds blew (oops that’s another instance), the chariots became bogged down, the Canaanites panicked and the Israelites were able to gain the victory.  In the meantime Sisera fled and ended up in the house of what he thought was a friend.  However, the woman of the house, Jael, the wife of Heber, recognized Sisera and drove a tent peg through his temple while he slept.  Thus the leader of the invaders was in- sanctimoniously killed by a woman.

After the great victory Deborah and Barak sing a song of thanksgiving and praise to God who was given complete credit for the victory and ultimate deliverance (Jud 6:1-30.  Those who failed to answer the call for help were discredited and cursed as well.  Deborah was indeed a woman of faithful courage and who gave all the glory and honor to God.

The providence of God in the account of Ehud is clearly presented throughout.  Ehud was called by God to deliver His people.  Perhaps you could see the providence of God in the deception of Eglon’s guards, in Ehud’s escape and in the defeat of the Moabite Army?  All of this goes to say we serve a great God.  It is perhaps also noteworthy to realize the Bible says, “And after him was Shamgar” (Jud 3.31).  Shamgar followed the example of Ehud in not having much to work with, but because God was on his side he was able to accomplish great things.

Only one verse in our Bible is dedicated to Shamgar at this juncture.  We learn a little more of his history from the song Deborah sings, “In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travelers walked through byways” (Jud 5.6).  Shamgar lived in a time when the enemies of Israel were so numerous in the land the Israelites could not even travel openly.

While we are not told how Shamgar was called, we are told he was the son of Anath, which was the name of a Canaanite goddess of war.  His name likely meant “son of battle” or “great warrior.”  We are also given information on the weapon he used to slay six hundred of God’s enemies, the Philistines.  An ox goad was a stick some six to eight feet long, with a shovel type apparatus on one end to clean out the dirt stuck on the plows and on the other end a sharp metal point with which to prod the oxen.

Are you kidding, a shovel and a little pointer to kill six hundred Philistines??  Shamgar was given a task by God.  He did not complain about lack of resources, lack of fire power, lack of assistance, no he simply took the tool he had and followed the command of God and delivered God’s people.  What may seem small in the hands of one, can become mighty in the hands of another who is working with a holy zealousness directed for and toward God.  Shamgar took a simple farmer’s tool and used it for the glory of God.  May we take the tools and talents God gives us and be like Shamgar, always giving God the glory!

Othniel is the first judge chosen by God to deliver His people after eight years of servitude to a foreign king because of the their disobedience and idolatry.  Israel soon forgot the glorious things God had done for them and their nation.  As they move into a period of ease they forsook God and were seduced into lasciviousness and false religion.  The Israelites no longer trembled at the words of God.  They no longer adhered to his laws, statutes and commandments.  As a result they no longer enjoyed the physical and spiritual blessings that came with a close fellowship with him.  They became slaves to the foreign King Chushanrishathaim (Chu-shan-rish-a-tha-im).  Instead of blessings, the children of Israel grew and toiled in the fields only for others to eat their food.  Their homes were taken over by their enemy and they were forced into homelessness in the streets.  Their women and children were forced into slavery, their glory became their shame, their hope gone, their self-confidence destroyed. All of these heartaches because of their own disobedience.

Upon hearing the people’s penitent cry God delivered them by calling upon Othniel (Jud 3.9).  Othniel came from the royal tribe of Judah and was a brother and/or son-in-law, or even perhaps a nephew to the great Caleb (one of the two faithful spies, the other being Joshua).   In either case Othniel was a kinsman to Caleb.  We were first introduced to Othniel when Caleb had promised his daughter (Achsha) to the one who would drive out one of his enemies.  Caleb gave Achsha a blessing and provided for her and her husband Othniel land with springs of water on it.

The inspired writer tells us the “Spirit of the Lord came upon” Othniel (Jud 3.10).  Othniel’s exemplary conduct and character allowed him to become an instrument of God in doing the will of God for His people.  Othniel utilized the talents, given him by God, to turn back the wicked Mesopotamian king Chushanrishathaim who had enslaved them.

After defeating the wicked King, Othniel judged God’s people for forty years and they had rest from war.  Othniel was a great servant for God when God’s people needed a great servant.  His greatness in service can be found in his humility, his willingness to place his talents into the will of God, his choice to refuse to live comfortably for self, and serve God’s people.  Othniel served God and his people.  So too, today, God chooses us to do great things for His kingdom and in our world.  Will we answer God’s call for humble greatness in service like Othniel, the first judge?

Peace through the Storm

There once was a king long ago who sought the perfect picture of peace. So, he announced a contest that he hoped would produce this masterpiece. Each day more and more paintings began flowing into his kingdom from all over the land. Finally, the day of revealing came. One picture after another was revealed. Each picture more beautiful than the last. Despite the increasing beauty the king couldn’t help but feel they hadn’t found that perfect picture yet.

As the veil was lifted off the final entry the crowd gasped in shock and horror. This couldn’t be a picture of peace, their expressions shouted. This painting depicted a raging waterfall cascading down a rocky ledge.  The skyline showed stormy, grey clouds which threatened to explode with lightning and thunder, and in the midst of the chaos- was a tiny tree. It clung to the rocks at the very edge of the waterfall, and resting upon its branch was a little bird. It had built its nest, and there it sat, content and undisturbed. Her eyes were closed, and her wings nestled her little one as she manifested a peace that surpassed all earthly turmoil.

I couldn’t help but think of this story this week as hurricane Ian hit Florida. This hurricane had been accumulating its strength and brought fear and destruction. But as they do, the storm passed. Unfortunately, there’s another storm that’s brewing. It’s one that never gives up. It’s the storm that is constantly at war with out Spirit. The winds and rains of Ian devastated homes, but the world has been devastating our homes long before this.

Isa. 5:20 says “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” The world attacks us with wrong, and tells us it’s right. This attack makes many hesitant or even a little fearful. Mt. 10:28 reads, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

The storm has moved on from Florida. People will rebuild a sense of peace. But finding a sense of peace is not the same as actually having it. The people from the story were shocked when they saw the last picture of peace because they have a misconception of what peace really is. Jesus said in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

The peace Jesus gives isn’t what people are expecting.  It’s not tranquility here on earth. The peace he offers is everlasting. We are blessed with the mindset to understand and know that when we leave this earth, we have eternal life. The man from the story wanted a picture of peace, but true peace is found in Christ Jesus. Preparation is key There is no peace found in sin, only inevitable death. John 16:33 reads, “These things I have spoke to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Looking unto Jesus

Hebrews 12:2

“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

We find ourselves living in a world that struggles with putting first things first. There’s a struggle to know where to look for answers and we are constantly being pressed to believe the world’s definition of truth- and worldly truth is ever changing. Heb. 13:8 tells us Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever; He never changes, and neither does His wisdom. Today, many find themselves looking to the world (Creation) for answers rather than to God (the Creator). No wonder there is so much confusion and division today. We should be looking to Jesus in everything, for everything, with everything and through everything.

Look to Jesus in everything, “for in Him we live, and move, and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also his offspring’,” (Acts 17:28). Looking to Jesus in everything provides us with security we cannot have in the world. Secure in the only truth that never changes. Those who have obeyed His gospel have blessed assurance. We are His, and we owe Him everything.

Look to Jesus for everything, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (Jas. 1:5). Looking to Jesus, one is able to acquire true wisdom. Earthly wisdom is unspiritual. The fear of the Lord is the starting point of true wisdom. His divine wisdom is pure, peace-loving, gentle, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (Jas. 3:17)

Look to Jesus with everything, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” (Rom. 12:1). With everything you have, your reasonable service to God. He sacrificed for us, are we denying self for Him?

Look to Jesus through everything, “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you” (1 Pt. 5:10). We all do, have, and will struggle. He is what gets us through those times. Are we putting God first during ALL times? When we are going through periods of peace and blessings do we put God and our spiritual life FIRST? Or only when things aren’t going the way we want?

Let us put first things first. God is first. God is truth. Don’t forget it. Look to Jesus in everything, for everything, with everything, through everything.

Often a misconception perhaps of the Judges is the idea they served sitting in “judgment” as judges do today.   Based, however, upon a closer reading of the book of judges, this was not the case.  Even the idea that these men served the whole nation of Israel is misguided.  Actually the judges’ influence often was more localized by tribe.  One must remember it was not a united kingdom until the time of Saul, David and Solomon.

The cycle of Israel’s obedience, to being at ease, to worshiping idols, being conquered and enslaved by a foreign king, a cry of repentance and God’s deliverance for them continued after the death of Othniel.  After Othniel’s victory over the Mesopotamian kings Israel had rest for war for forty years.   As is stated over and over in the book of Judges, “the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord” (Jud 3:12—this time).

After eighteen years of Moabite oppression God raised Ehud as a deliverer of his people (Jud 3:15).  Ehud was from the tribe of Benjamin.  The Bible tells us Ehud was left-handed.  Some have interpreted the original language here as either “left-handed,” “ambidextrous,” or even the “right hand bound up as in useless.”  If in fact it is interpreted as the right side being useless, the idea that God does not need the physically strong to accomplish his purpose is a lesson to be drawn from this account.

Through deception and trickery Ehud gained access to the Moab King’s innermost chambers.  Eglon, the Moabite King was a very fat man.  Ehud made his way into the very private chambers of the king; thrust him through with the dagger he had offered as a present.  Eglon, being so fat, his body sucked the knife in and enclosed even the handle.  Ehud locked the door and left Eglon to die.

What a gruesome way to die.  However, just as Ehud was prepared to stab Eglon the King, he reported he had this message from God, whereupon he stabbed him and left.  Ehud then collected an army from the tribes of Israel cutting off the Moabites.   In the valleys of the Jordan River Ehud led the army to a defeat of the mighty men of Moab.  It is important to note Ehud completely gave God the credit for the victory which was to be Israel’s.

The providence of God in this account is certainly throughout.  Ehud was called by God to deliver His people.  Can you see the providence of God in the deception of Eglon’s guards, in Ehud’s escape and in the defeat of the Moabite Army?  We serve a great God.

Certainly the adults living at the time of the twelve spies being sent into the land soon after the children of Israel left Egypt were a rebellious and faithless group of people.  All of them, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb were destined to die over the forty years of wilderness wandering because of their rebellions against God and lack of faith.  It was this faithless group of people who had children who followed Joshua over the Jordan River and were given the Promised Land, the Land of Canaan.

Certainly the generation of adults who crossed over the Jordan River who had seen their parents die in the wilderness were not perfect and their faith was not complete, though you do not see them worshipping idols.  They did, however, not completely possess the land and drive out all of its inhabitants as God commanded them (Jud 1.19-36).  God had promised, He had covenanted with them to give them all of the land, He was with them, but they refused to do their part in driving the wicked people out.  God charges them, “But you have not obeyed My voice.  Why have you done this” (Jud 2.2)?  It may have seemed like a small thing to the people, after all they had driven out most of the Canaanites, surely it would be ok just to let them be and let them worship their own gods.

However and perhaps more importantly the generation of adults which crossed over the Jordan did not teach their children about God.  God tells us when this generation had passed on with their fathers, “another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work when He had done for Israel” (Jud 2.10).  As a result of their inaction, their refusal to completely do as God instructed as related to the wicked people of the land and their god, and a complete failure to “teach them (God’s laws-djm) diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.  You shall bind them as frontlets between your eyes.  You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (Deut 6.6-9).

What about your children, your house, your “childrens’ children” (Pro 17.6)?  It was not long before this group of adults, children of those who told Joshua they would follow God, began to play the harlot with the other gods their parents had failed to destroy did evil in the sight of the Lord and forgot God (Jud 2.17; 3.7).  Parents and grandparents, ask yourself, where do I stand in helping my children and grandchildren learn the importance of faithfully and obediently following completely the Word of God?  We are only one generation away from complete apostasy-falling away.  We must pass the torch, the baton of faith, if it is to not be extinguished by our children.

Every Christian on the day sins are washed away enters into a covenant relationship with God.  On God’s part He promises if we, as Christians, will be faithful unto death He will give us a crown of life (Rev 2.10).  God has never been slack concerning His promises, but in fact has fulfilled every promise He ever made (2 Pet 3.9).  At the same time, He does not want anyone to be lost, so He is longsuffering, giving everyone alive the opportunity to enter in this covenant relationship.

God throughout history has made many covenants with mankind.  Some of these include the promise of: a Savior who would once and for all crush Satan (Gen 3.15), a rainbow which signified He would never again destroy all of mankind with water (Gen 9.11-17), blessing all the nations of the earth through the seed of Abraham through his children with the act of circumcising males as the mark of this promise (Gen 22.17-18), releasing from Egyptian bondage the children of Israel after four hundred years (Gen 15.13), As we conclude our articles on Joshua, God told the children of Israel if they would “take heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul” (Jos 22.5), He would do all of the good things He had promised to the House of Israel (Jos 21.45).

Walking the way of the Lord always takes courage.  Many times throughout the Bible, God’s people were told “Be strong, be of good courage.”  And so today, in the Christian age in which we live, courage and strength are called for.  As Joshua prepared the people for his departure he stated, “Choose you this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served which dwelt on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Ammorites in whose land you now dwell.  But as for me and my house we will serve the Lord God” (Jos 24.15).

Serving God has always been a choice.  A choice, as a Christian, you covenanted to do the day you came out of the watery grave of baptism as a new creature for the rest of your life (2 Thess 1.8).  God will keep His part.  Ask yourself—Am I?  If not, why not.  If not choose to do so from this day forward.  If you have not covenanted with God, you are not a part of the blessings promised, in fact there is an eternity in hell promised by God to those who do not choose to enter into His covenant.  Why do you wait?  “Now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor 6.2).

Joshua is a great book of military victories for God’s people the Israelites, representing the many military conquests and victories as victories of God for His people.  Most of these victories came against overwhelming physical odds but because God was on their side, these physical odds did not matter.

Listen to God’s spokesman Joshua as he instructs God’s people over and over.

• Only be strong and very courageous . . . that you may prosper wherever you go (1.7).
• Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (1.9).
• Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed . . . See I have given it unto your hand (8.1)
• Do not fear them, for I have delivered them into you hand; not a man of them shall stand before you (10.8).
• Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage, for thus the Lord will do to all your enemies against whom you fight. (10.25)
• Do not be afraid because of them, for tomorrow about this time I will deliver all of them slain before Israel (11.6).

We can still today win great victories through God today.  To do this we must as the Israelites of old had to do, let the Lord take the battle.  Let Him put us under His wings of protection.  Listen to the Psalmist.

• Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings, From the wicked who oppress me,   From my deadly enemies who surround me (Ps 17.8).
• How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore, the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings (36.7)
• Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You;  And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge,  Until these calamities have passed by (57.1).
• I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings (61.4)
• Because You have been my help, Therefore, in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice (63.7)
• He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler (91.4).

Whether the fight is physical, spiritual, or mental, be strong, be of good courage and let the wings of God protect you.  Jesus said, “Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest (Matt 11.28).

In our walk with God, we talk about and study many of the characteristics and practices that we should keep in order to stay on the narrow path. Diligence is necessary to remaining focused on the cross. Commitment isn’t just a word. It’s a choice, and it’s a lifestyle. Our lives, committed to being workers for the Lord, should be God centered. We should always be pushing forward (Phil 3:13-14).

There was a rich, young, ruler who stopped Jesus to ask what he must do to inherit the kingdom of heaven. Jesus in turn told him, “You know the commandments…” (Mk. 10:18-19). He went on to list several of the 10 commandments, which at the time were still in effect. The young ruler could have been confident in the fact that he had kept those commandments in his life: he hadn’t committed adultery, murdered, stole anything, he did not bear false witness, or defraud others and he honored his father and mother.

But, instead of an over confidence, he questioned Jesus further, “What do I still lack?” (Mt. 19:20). This question frames a mindset that understands, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Rom. 3:23). Unfortunately for the rich, young, ruler, he cared more for his riches than he cared for Jesus. Jesus gave him a choice that basically broke down to; work for your wealth or work for me.

Though the scripture tells us the man walked away, “grieved” or sadly, from the Lord, he still walked away. He still made the choice that earthly possessions meant more to him than spiritual gifts. The gift of eternal life is the greatest gift a person could hope for, especially given the alternative. Matthew 25:46 reads, “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into eternal life.”

Self-reflection is hard. Sometimes we understand where we struggle and still make the wrong choice. Sometimes, we fail to self-reflect for fear of what we may see, or out of neglect for our spiritual self-care. Regardless, it’s important to know where we are still lacking so that whatever we do, in word or deed, it should be the best we can, working for the Lord (Col. 3:23). The right choice will always be Christ over self. So, don’t be afraid. Take a look. Are we workers for the Lord? Or are we walking away grieving?