A Call to Action

INTRODUCTION

A Call to Action

You do not find many portrayal of women in the Bible driving tent pegs through a man’s skull.

(4:6-16)

GOD AT WORK

In response to the Israelites plea the Lord raises up a prophetess called Deborah. She was on of the most remarkable people to emerge during the 350 year period of the Judges. Deborah was the first prophet since Moses’ day and one of only three women prophets we read about in the Old Testament, the others being Miriam, and Huldah.

Deborah describes herself as ‘a mother in Israel’ (5:7) and ‘held court’ under a tree that became known as ‘the Palm of Deborah’ (4:5).

Deborah was unlike any of the other judges, she ‘held court’ settling disputes among the people. She came bearing wisdom from God. There could not be a greater contrast between the oppressor and the deliverer: a monster who held the tribes of Israel in his iron grip and a mother who led them with a gentle hand.

Consider the times when you may feel helpless to face your spiritual and moral enemies but never forget that God ‘chose the weak things of the world to shame the wise. (1 Cor. 1:27).

We have been told plainly that the continued antagonisms at the hand of their enemies was first so that Israel would, ‘know war’ (3:2) and secondly that they Lord may know … Israel’ (3:4).

The stories of the first three judges, especially Ehud, focus our attention on God himself and his methods as Judge and Savior.

The story of Deborah and Barak now points us to God’s people - to what Israel comes to know, and to how she herself comes to be known.

NOTE: Hazor was nineteen miles north-west of the Sea of Galilee, close to what is now the Israel-Lebanon border. It was at one time the most powerful Canaanite city in Norther Palestine. Jabin was probably the royal title for the kings of Hazor. Joshua defeated another ‘Jabin’ at Hazor almost 200 years earlier.

The name Sisera suggests he was the leader of a group of so called Sea People who, like the philistines, had migrated to Palestine by ship form the eastern Aegean sea.

Big Idea: Faith isn’t just an attitude it has to be applied.

Pessimism must never be our default position

List of Characters in the drama of Judges 4

Jabin - King Hazor in Canaan; a tyrant

Deborah - a Jewish judge; a woman of faith and courage

Barak: a reluctant Jewish General

Sisera: Captain of Jabin’s army

Heber: a Kenite neighbor, at peace with Jabin.

Jael: wife of Heber; handy with a hammer

Jehovah God: in charge of wars and the weather

Now Let the drama unfold.

1.A call to action is a call to Optimism.

ILLUSTRATION

Optimists Live Longer

If you look on the bright side, you just might live longer—much longer, according to some upbeat new research. A new study finds women who characterize themselves as having the highest levels of optimism live 15% longer than the least optimistic women and have a 50% greater chance of reaching age 85. The most optimistic men live 11% longer and are 70% more likely to reach 85. (The different results for men and women are not significant, the researchers say.)

One key seems to involve the body’s stress response. Studies have shown that chronic stress can lead to inflammation which can cause many diseases. Compared to pessimists, the most optimistic people say they sleep better and longer, are less likely to be sleepy during the day, and are 74% more likely to report no symptoms of insomnia.

Lead author Rosalba Hernandez, a professor at the University of Illinois, says: “Optimists are more likely to engage in active problem (solving) and to interpret stressful events in more positive ways.” People who are optimistic and goal-oriented agree strongly with statements like “I can find something positive, even in the worst situations.” Optimists experienced greater reductions in depression, anxiety, and panic disorders

APPLICATION

Faith; Sovereignty of God; Trust – Life is often troubled (John 16:33) and dark (Eph. 6:12) but our attitude is crucial. Christ followers are commanded to not worry (Philippians 4:6-7), or fear (Psalm 56:3), but to give thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18). This optimism comes from trusting our sovereign Heavenly Father who promises us that our future will be supremely better than our present (Eph. 2:6-7).

Godly optimism is the result of faith in the Character of God.

When and how do we doubt what God has planned for us?

NOTE: God wants to glorify Himself through his people, God always has:

1) The perfect plan

2) The right leader to lead his people

3) The place for the battle.

4) The plan for His army to follow into victory.

I will give him into your hand Deborah’s words in Judg 4:6–7 illustrate her role as prophetess (see note on v. 4). She tells Barak of Yahweh’s promise to deliver Sisera into his hand.

The bible refers to this kind of optimism as Hope. Romans 15:13 says may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 8:23-35

“Hope that is seen is not really hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? We hope for what we do not have, and wait patiently.”

1 Corinthians 2:9

9 But, as it is written,

“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,

nor the heart of man imagined,

what God has prepared for those who love him”—

God has designed us to live with HOPE!

NOTE: For the most part the world by nature has a pessimistic view on the future. Even those in the world who claim to be optimistic, their optimism is misplaced. The optimism of the world is in themselves and their own ability to pull themselves out of the situation they fin themselves in.

WORLDLY OPTIMISM: is not based on faith in God. Many unbelievers refuse to worry because life is more pleasant that way. “Don’t worry, be happy” is their motto, or Carpe diem Cease the day.

Barak refuses to go up and fight unless Deborah goes to fight with him. Since Barak did not simply [ Trust and Obey ] the honor for the victory will not go to Barak, the Lord instead will hand the armies of Sisera over to a woman.

NOTE: Israel had no standing army at this time. The fighters were all non-professional volunteers. The Lord is pictured as coming to Israel’s rescue from Mt Sinai, via Edom. He is surrounded by a cloud, thunder and earthquake, as at his first coming to the people in Exodus 19. He comes in the storm, and he unleashes a storm (literally) on his enemies. 5:4-5. The Hebrew word translated for thousand originally meant a clan or small military contingent. The number of Israelites was probably much smaller than the usual English translation suggests.

NOTE: At first glance it would appear that Barak is completely pessimistic and in defiance of God. First, Deborah is not rebuking Barak, but simply telling him that though we will have to charge down a hillside into the very teeth of 900 chariots, however, he will not get the honor for it! However, he still charged down the hillside to fight.

Godly optimism looks beyond what we can understand

Romans 8:28

This is why we do not place so much emphasis on earthly events, and our circumstances.

Godly hope looks beyond ourselves and see’s things from the two thousand foot view as God see’s things.

4:8 If you will go. Barak was asking Deborah to risk her life to verify the truth of her words, and he was also asking a woman to do what he had been assigned to do. From his point of view the mission was suicidal, since the exposed Mount Tabor could easily be surrounded by the chariots of Sisera, cutting off any escape. Barak’s faith was not equal to this danger.

Godly optimism is a choice we make

When we choose to trust God for everything, we can rest in His promises to take care of us the way He sees fit (Philippians 4:19; Luke 12:30–31). “And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches and glory”; “All the nations seek after these things, and your father knows that you need them, Instead seek His kingdom and these things will be added to you.”

We can “cast our care upon him” (1 Peter 5:7), “let our requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6), and accept His “peace that passes all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). Knowing that we have a loving heavenly Father who desires to care for us and provide for us should give every child of God a reason for true optimism (Matthew 6:8; Luke 12:29–31).

Barak’s desire to take Deborah with him wasn’t so much disobedience, but done out of a recognition that Deborah is a godly woman who speaks for God. It was more of a good leadership, and military move to have her with him. 900 chariots would beat 10,000 men on foot any day of the week and twice on Saturday.

ILLUSTRATION: Notice that Deborah assures a victory. “Babe Ruth” used to get up to the plate and point a finger to the fence line signalling that he was going to hit a home run before the pitch ever left the pictures hand. Babe Ruth was in essence guaranteeing a victory. It’s like in basketball calling your shot assuring nothing but net before the ball leaves your fingers.

2.A Call to Action is a Call to Victory

NOTE: God goes before us and claims the Victory before we ever enter the battle field. That is what it means that “that the Lord goes before you.” He is calling his shot, and there is not such thing as an air ball in His arsenal. The home run is a guarantee every time he steps up to the place.

1 Corinthians 15:54-57

54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”

55  “O death, where is your victory?

O death, where is your sting?”

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

NOTE: When the perishable, that’s you my friend, puts on the imperishable, that is Christ, then Victory is guaranteed. You can take that to the bank, that’s a fact jack.

Not a Walkover, But Victory

Dorothy L. Sayers, "The Triumph of Easter," in The Man Born to Be King. Christianity Today, Vol. 41, no. 4.

[The disciples] had seen the strong hands of God twist the crown of thorns into a crown of glory, and in hands as strong as that they knew themselves safe. They had misunderstood practically everything Christ had ever said to them, but no matter: the thing made sense at last, and the meaning was far beyond anything they had dreamed. They had expected a walkover, and they beheld a victory; they had expected an earthly Messiah, and they beheld the Soul of Eternity.

The Victory is won before we ever step onto the battle field.

We marvel at the great wonders of God, but God is never surprised. Notice it doesn’t just say that the nation of Israel won the battle it say’s that they routed the enemy. This is as in the days of Joshua, complete domination.

4:14 Yahweh not gone out before you There will be no miraculous or passive victory; Barak must act. However, Judges 5 includes some language of divine assistance or celestial portent in connection with the victory.

John 16:33

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

4:15 And Yahweh threw Sisera and all his chariots and army into confusion How Barak’s foot soldiers could defeat chariots is unstated in this chapter. According to 5:19–21, the weather was working against them.

fled on foot The chariots proved useless along the banks of the Kishon (v. 12; compare 5:19–21).

God provided the right environment for Victory to be achieved.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE FORGET WHO BRINGS THE VICTORY

The Victory reveals a God who is not silent.

I’m sure the Canaanites had to be wondering about this crazy downpour during the dry season, and where was Baal during all of this mighty show of power from God. Remember when Elijah is doing battle with the prophets of Baal. Finally when their God’s did not answer Elijah accuses them of being a sleep or possibly using the restroom.

ILLUSTRATION

American Patriots Risk Their Homes for Victory

Dave Bolin, Gadsden, Alabama; Source: Bill Bennett, The American Patriot's Almanac (Thomas Nelson, 2008), p. 408.

In October of 1781, General Cornwallis marched his British troops into Yorktown. The patriots to the south had wreaked havoc on his redcoat army, and he was hoping to rendezvous with the British Navy on Chesapeake Bay.

American and French troops, however, anticipating Cornwallis's plan, pounded them with cannon fire, while the French fleet cut off escape by sea. The British found themselves trapped.

Thomas Nelson, then governor of Virginia and a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was fighting with the patriots firing the cannons in Yorktown. Gathering the men, he pointed to a beautiful brick home. "That is my home," he explained. "It is the best one in town. And, because of that, Lord Cornwallis has almost certainly set up the British headquarters inside."

And he told the American artillerymen to open fire on his own house.

They did. As the story goes, the very first cannonball shot at Mr. Nelson's house sailed right through the large dining room window and landed on the table where several British officers were eating.

It is one thing for a man to talk about freedom. It is quite another to destroy his own home to help make that freedom a reality. Nelson understood, however, that to hold on to his current life would mean forfeiting the life he was so desperately seeking. A life of true freedom would cost him the stuff of his present life. It was a small price to pay.

On October 19, as the British troops surrendered, the Redcoat band played the song, "The World Turned Upside Down." The song was apt. The world's greatest super-power had just been defeated by an army that couldn't afford to put shoes on its soldiers' feet.

But how can you thwart an army willing to sacrifice everything they currently have, for something infinitely better waiting on the other side?

3.A Call to Action is a Call to Trust.

4:17-23

Death by Tent Peg

The method of Jael’s attack on Sisera is the very tool used for setting up and taking down her tent. First, it was not Jael’s husband who did the killing, essentially a woman and her household appliance. Today it might have been a fying pan.

Our Trust in God must first start with God’s trustworthiness.

Christian faith is, essentially, trust in the person and character of God.

  trust, importance of

Scripture emphasizes the importance of putting one’s trust in God. This trust, which is nurtured by an understanding of God’s revealed truth, finds expression in a life lived according to his purpose. There are examples in Scripture of proper trust being placed in other people.

Psalm 20:7 ESV

7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

Proverbs 3:5–8 ESV

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

So even though Barack put his faith in Deborah to lead the way to victory, remember Deborah told Barack that the victory would not be his on the battle field. The honor goes to no human at all. It was the Lord who spoke to, and through Deborah; the Lord who went ahead of Barak and ten gave him victory; and the Lord who handed Sisera over to Jael.

Trusting in God’s plan is trusting in His methods.

We cannot overlook the fact that Jael’s method is a clear violation of two of the Ten Commandments (she lies and she kills). Some would say that since she was not a believer, she was not responsible to obey God’s law. But Jael also broke all the very strong policies and rules of Middle Eastern hospitality. It was treachery by the standards of any culture.

We have to remember that God often uses people to do what he wants to happen without violating their personal responsibility or condoning their methods.

Trusting in God’s plan is trusting in His provision.

NOTE: Not all of the tribes went up to fight and rallied to Baracks banner. Some of the tribes of Ephraim and Benjamin did, as did Issachar. But Reuben carried on herding his sheep; and Gilead, Dan and Asher stayed home, too. The greatest honor goes to Zebulun and Naphtali; to those who ‘risked their very lives on the heights of the field.

Cultural Note: We live in a culture today that doesn’t count the cost for following Christ. The call of Christ is to take up the cross daily and die. Paul reminds us in Philippians one to live is Christ and to die is gain. We have become weak in our dedication and wholehearted trust of God, his methods, and the risk involved to truly be a disciple.

How do I know if I have wholehearted Trust in God?

Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”

1) Do I let the Bible overrule my way of thinking?

So, do I agree with the Bible, or do I obey the bible? If I merely agree with the Bible, then my positive response is not obedience but coincidence. The Bible just happens to line up with my prejudices I’ve soaked up from my background. But what do I do when the Bible contradicts my way of thinking about what is true - especially when, on top of that, it’s seems to go against the culture I have immersed myself into?

If I am reading the bible for excuses for what I want anyway, my heart has already drifted from the Lord. But if I trust him wholeheartedly, I will let the Bible challenge my way of thinking, and transform my most cherished thoughts and feelings.

Trusting God’s plan is trusting in the cross

Judges 4 and 5 alongside one another lead us to have a chapter 5 perspective.

Chapter 5 see’s God’s hadn behind all things; celebrates success and honors him supremely; and has a continual note of praise.

NOTE: We should, live our lives and order our memories not only historically but theologically - not simply recalling what happened, or what we did, but searching out what God was doing. This keeps us from over-honoring ourselves in success, or despairing struggles.

Judges 5 is noticeably fierce and bloodthirsty. This song raises the question of Old Testament scripture that seems to speak hatefully of our enemies.

TRUSTING IN THE CROSS MEANS:

1) God triumphs over evil

One day the the fact that all people will stand before him and be held to account for their actions, are aspects of the gospel message which we should welcome and rejoice over (though many of us tremble knowing that we will stand there as well, with Jesus alone as our advocate.)

2) God will be vindicated

The coming judgment of God frees us from needing to see justice done in this life. We don’t seek vindication for ourselves. We leave room for God’s wrath to be.

Romans 12:19

19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

CONCLUSION

The death and resurrection of Christ change our attitude towards our enemies.

We want to see justice done, and we know that it will be - but not by us. Many of us see the injustices being done in the world today, and are waiting for God’s vengeance to become a reality.

NOTE: in the Old Testament believers could only have a dim view of this. We can yearn for that, while still praying for and blessing our enemies. Because of the CROSS, we can have the attitude Jesus had on the cross, as he looked on his murder’s who were killing him and said: “Father Forgive them.”

Prayers from Haitian Christians Express Trust in God

Wally R. Turnbull and Eleanor J. Turnbull, God Is No Stranger (Light Messages, 2010), pp. 20, 28, 30, 82

Eleanor Turnbull, a veteran missionary to Haiti, collected and translated the prayers of the Christians who lived in the mountains of Haiti. These profound and child-like prayers are recorded in the book God Is No Stranger. Here are four prayers about God's grace and protection.

Lord, All my life, I have been just a weed; I became a flower. I am young and I want to grow and be cultivated so I can become more beautiful.

Lord, In Christ, we are a grain of corn in a clear bottle. Satan comes like a chicken and pecks for the corn, but never reaches it.

Lord, How glad we are that we don't hold you, you hold us.

Lord, Don't let us put our load of trouble in a basket on our head. Help us put them on Jesus' head. Then we won't have headaches.

Can he trust you with his gospel? Because he needs people he can trust to tell the story today. He needs people he can trust in the best and worst of circumstances.

Remember that Faith is not just an attitude it must be applied daily in your life and to mine.