Judges Chapter 4: Stepping out in Faith

Reflections from Judges Chapter 4:

Choosing God over Self

Scripture

Read Judges Chapter 4

Key Scripture:

“She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, “The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: ‘Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mount Tabor. I will lead Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands.’” Judges 4:6-7 NIV

Judges chapter 4: Observation

After the last Judge, Ehud, died, the Israelites slid back into their lifestyle of sin. God, as before, did not spare them from the consequences of their actions. Instead, He allowed them to be defeated and oppressed by King Jabin of Canaan, whose army commander, Sisera, had 900 iron chariots. The Israelites spent 20 years wallowing in sin under Sisera’s oppression before crying out to God for help.

Deborah, a prophet and the wife of Lappidoth, was the Judge of Israel at that time. She called for Barak, son of Abinoam, and delivered God’s command to him, instructing him to organize and lead an army of 10 000 men from Naphtali and Zebulun to fight against Sisera. God promised Barak victory through Deborah, but Barak was hesitant and requested Deborah accompany him on the mission.

Deborah agreed to go with Barak but informed him that the honor of winning the battle over Sisera would go to a woman, not him.

“At Barak’s advance, the Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and army by the sword, and Sisera got down from his chariot and fled on foot.” Judges 4:15 NIV

Because the Lord was with Barak, Sisera’s 900 iron chariots did not stand a chance. Barak annihilated Sisera’s army, leaving no man alive. Sisera fled on foot but ended up in the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, who drove a tent peg through his temple while he slept, killing him.

“On that day God subdued Jabin king of Canaan before the Israelites. And the hand of the Israelites pressed harder and harder against Jabin king of Canaan until they destroyed him.” Judges 4:23-24 NIV

Judges chapter 4: Application

It never pays to choose a lifestyle of sin like the Israelites did because sin opens wide the door for oppression by the devil.

The ultimate penalty for sin is death, but Jesus paid the price for our sins on the cross. Jesus died and resurrected to give us eternal life and reconcile us to God (Romans 6:23; Colossians 1:21-22, Romans 5:8-11).

If we sin after receiving Jesus as Lord, we should be quick to repent, for we have God’s promise that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” 1 John 1:9 NIV.

Deborah was a woman used mightily by God as a prophet and Judge, and just as she yielded herself to God, we should also use the gifts and talents that God has blessed us with to serve Him and others (1 Peter 4:10)

Deborah did not overstep the boundaries of her calling. When God instructed her to send for Barak, she did so. Her calling was to be a prophet and Judge, not an army commander. Likewise, we should serve God and His church according to His will and purpose for our lives. God leads; we follow! We do not all have the same gifts, nor are we all called to do the same things, but we all have work to do in the Kingdom of God. (Ephesians 2:10; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6)

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:6-8

God promised victory to Barak, but Barak had to take God at His Word and step out in faith. Barak had to go to battle before God gave him the victory.

Deborah said to Barak, “Go! This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?” Judges 4:14

The same applies to us. The Lord goes ahead of us, and He is always with us and has assured us victory over the enemy.

So, would you go? Would you take Him at His Word and step out in faith knowing that He has assured you that you have His authority to trample all over all the power of the enemy?

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” Luke 10:19 NIV

Nine hundred iron chariots, the height of military technology of their era, were no match against Barak because God was with Him.

Interestingly, despite Barak’s initial hesitation and the credit for killing Sisera going to Jael, Barak is one of the four Judges commended as a hero of faith in Hebrews chapter 11 (the Hall of Faith).

Living by faith is simply taking God at His word. It is believing Him and stepping out in the power of the Holy Spirit to do what God said we should do irrespective of contradictory circumstances. It is trusting God’s promise that no weapon of the enemy will stand against us because He has promised never to leave us (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Questions for Reflection

What weights, weaknesses, and sins have you chosen to accommodate because you know that involving God will require discipline on your part?

Is there an area of your life where God calls you to step out in faith?

How can you use your gifts/talents to serve God?

Prayer

Lord, forgive me for sometimes choosing the ease of my sins and bondage over the discipline and faithful commitment required to walk with You in the Spirit. I choose today to live by faith in Your Word and use my gifts to serve You wholeheartedly.

Thank You for promising that You will never leave me. As I step out in faith to obey Your every command, strengthen me, and guide me in the way that I should go. Use me as Your vessel to trample on the enemy’s plans and advance Your Kingdom’s agenda.

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

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Except where indicated, Scriptures are taken from the NIV.