T H E K I N G ’ S B U S I N E S S Kishon. Sisera was the captain of Jabin’s army. He had his chariots and his multitude of soldiers. But what God promises He will surely perform. In every time of trouble and need, let your prayer be based on His promise “ He shall call upon me and I will answer him; * * * I will deliver him.” (Psa. 91:15). There is a promise for every believer, — for every time of need, no matter what the conditions or the circum stances. That is the advantage of knowing God’s Word. The honor of deliverance was to be given to Deborah (v. 9). God honors those who honor Him (1 Sam. 2:30) and our Lord Jesus says (John 12:26) “ If any man serve me, him will my Father honor.” (3) DECISION OF BARAK, vs. 8, 9. Barak was willing to go if Deborah would go with him, but he was not willing to obey God’s command unless she would go with him. His promise to obey was conditional. God demands un conditional obedience to His Word. Barak was very human. He knew Deborah’s relationship to God. He had more confidence in her ability to com mand God’s favor than he had in God’s own Word. Our tendency is to lean upon the arm of flesh (2 Chron. 32:8). We want something upon which the eye can rest, and upon which the arm can rest. It is so hard to trust the naked Word of God. Yet everything must be decided by the Word of God (Isa. 8:19, 20). “ And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spir its, and unto wizards that peep and that mutter; should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Failure to believe God’s Word dis honors God. Failure to follow God’s command means eternal loss.
390
(1) DEBORAH THE PROPHETESS, vs. 4, 5. “ Deborah” means “ bee” .. She was the wife of Lapidoth, (meaning “ torch” ), of the tribe of Ephraim. She was a prophetess as was Miriam (Ex. 15:20), and Huldah (2 Kings 22:14), and Noadiah (Neh. 6:14). She was given in answer to Israel’s prayer (v. 3). Whom God judges fit is best fitted to be judge. God has His own way of distributing His gifts, and there is room for all. . Deborah judged Israel. There were no men in her neighborhood who could take sides with God in judgment, and so God raised up Deborah. She was God’s prophetess— God’s mouthpiece for Israel. Through her God made known His will to the people. Under a palm tree she sat and the people came to her. This was God’s plan— either under a tree or at the city gate. The people recognized her authority by coming to her. God had commanded Israel in times of need to go to the Judges (Deut. 17:8). Barak was the commander of the army, but he re ceived his command from the judge. “ Barak” means “ lightning” . He moved swiftly. Deborah had her instruction from God. So should we (Josh. 1 :9). “ Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee whither soever thou goest.” If we can take these words into our own hearts, and believe them, it will greatly strengthen us for our work. Deborah was a woman of courage and of faith. She summoned Barak and gave her orders, minutely and in detail. The place— Tabor; the men to compose his army— 10,000. (2) DELIVERANCE PROMISED, vs. 6, 7. “ I will deliver him into thy hands.” The place of deliverance was named
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker