IMITATE THEIR FAITH/DEBORAH - 'GO AND MARCH TO MOUNT TABOR - Conclusion

 Barak has 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 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: IMITAT THEIR FAITH/DEBORAH - "THE EARTH SHOOK, AND THE HEAVENS POURED"

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