Deborah the Courageous

Deborah the Courageous

Judges 4:14  Then Deborah said to Barak, “Get ready! This is the day the Lord will give you victory over Sisera, for the Lord is marching ahead of you.” So Barak led his 10,000 warriors down the slopes of Mount Tabor into battle. (NLT)

             Israel had been in rebellion against God once again. Therefore, God allowed them to be taken captive by Jabin, a Canaanite king. Their enemies were very cruel to them, so the Israelites cried out to God for help. He heard their cries and made a plan to deliver them from their oppressors. Deborah, a wife and prophet of Israel was a judge during that time. She had the task of helping the Israelites to solve disputes and matters that arose in their midst. Not only did she mediate things for Israel, but the judges were appointed by God to lead His people even during times of war.

            God gave Deborah a word that He was going to deliver the Children of Israel out of the hands of their enemies into the hands of Barak – a warrior for the Children of Israel. Barak, however, would only agree to go if Deborah was with him. She agreed with his terms and accompanied him into battle. Deborah could have allowed fear to hinder her because it was not common for women to go to war during those days. Nevertheless, she trusted in the word of God that He was going to deliver them from their oppressors and God fulfilled His promise just as He said He would. Judges 4:23-24  ⁽²³⁾ So on that day Israel saw God defeat Jabin, the Canaanite king. ⁽²⁴⁾ And from that time on Israel became stronger and stronger against King Jabin until they finally destroyed him. (NLT)

            There are times when the Potter will call on us to do something for His kingdom’s sake that will take extreme courage and faith. Deuteronomy 31:6 So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (NLT) The Word of God lets us know that in order to follow Jesus, we must be willing to forsake all and carry our cross. Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. (NIV) 

          That cross could involve giving up friends, family, jobs, money, luxury living and even your life to do the will of the Potter. Luke 17:33 Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it. (NIV) Nevertheless, if we will submit fully to Him as the prophets of old, the apostles, modern-day martyrs, and even Jesus himself, the Potter will reward the faithful and in Heaven we will receive a crown of life. James 1:12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (NIV) Courage is given to all the faithful at the Potter’s house.