IMITATE THEIR FAITH/DEBORAH - Conclusion of "Go and March to Mount Tabor

 "Go and march to Mount Tabor," Jehovah ordered through Deborah.  Barak was to muster 10.000 men from two of Israel's tribes. Deborah conveyed God's promise that they would defeat the mighty Sisera and his 900 chariots!  The promise surely astounded Barak.  Israel had no army and virtually no weaponry.  Still, Barak agreed to go into battle-but only If Deborah came to Mount Tabor too. -JUDGES 4:6-8; 5:6-8.

Barak had been called faithless because of this request, but unfairly so. After all, he did not ask God for more weapons.  Rather, as a man of faith, Barak saw the value in having Jehovah's representative there to strengthen him and his men.  (Hebrews 11:32, 33)  Jehovah responded favorably . He allowed  Deborah to go, as Barak had requested.  However, Jehovah also inspired her to prophesy that the battle's final glory would not go to a man.  (Judges 4:9)  God had decided that a woman would execute wicked Sisera!

In today's world, a great deal of injustice, violence, and abuse is heaped upon women.  Rarely are they accorded the dignity that God wants them to receive.  However, God grants women and men equal value and standing before him. (Romans 2:11; Galatians 3:28)  Deborah's example reminds us that he also blesses women with privileges and signs of his particular trust and favor. It is vital that we never adopt the bigotry so common in this world.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/DEBORAH - "THE EARTH SHOOK, AND HEAVENS POURED"

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