Women of the Bible
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
In Deborah’s time, Israel had done evil in the Lord’s sight and was conquered by King Jabin of Canaan. Deborah was both a prophetess and a judge. Throughout that time, God used judges to deliver His people from their oppressors, often in unexpected or miraculous ways.
By God’s direction, Deborah called on Barak to lead the troops against King Jabin’s commander, Sisera. “And Barak said to her, ‘If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go!’ So she said, ‘I will surely go with you; nevertheless there will be no glory for you in the journey you are taking, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman’” (Judges 4:8-9). A woman named Jael drove a tent peg through the sleeping Commander Sisera’s head (Judges 4:21), and God delivered His people from the Canaanites through these women whom He called to action.
God has called all Christians to action: Go, make disciples, baptize, and teach (Matthew 28:19-20). Like Barak, we are often sluggish in our response to God’s call to action. But we need not request accompaniment on our mission. Rather, we can go forth with confidence in God’s promises: “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20) and “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses” (Romans 8:26). May God forgive us for our failings in our callings, give us confidence in His gracious presence, and fill us with courage to share His saving word with all we meet.
Let none hear you idly saying,
“There is nothing I can do,”
While the multitudes are dying
And the Master calls for you.
Take the task He gives you gladly,
Let His work your pleasure be;
Answer quickly when He calleth,
“Here am I, send me, send me!”
Lutheran Service Book 826:4