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Lessons
For Christian Ladies
This
Series Of Lessons Was Taught By
Mrs.
James Modlish
How
Two Housewives Won the War or Sending Women To Do A Man's
Job
(Judges.
4:4-24; 5:1-31)
Introduction:
Jabin,
the king of Canaan, had oppressed Israel for 20 years.
Israel cried for deliverance, and God uses a woman!
(Judges
4:4-5)
Deborah was
what we would term a "real woman."
[1].
First of all, she was a housewife before she was a
military leader.
(a).
She lived between Raman and Bethel.
(b). She was the wife of Lapidoth.
[2].
Prophetess or counselor - This arena probably gave her a
vivid picture of the oppression and fear under which her
people lived.
[3]. Judge - In Israel this encompassed more than
just settling disputes. Judges were often considered
military leaders and heroes. This does, however, indicate
the depth to which Israel had sunk in that a woman was
judging them. (Isa. 3:11 and 12) is illustrative of what
is happening in America today. Think about it...Judge
Judy has more common sense than many men in America
today! Fortunately, Deborah followed God's
leadership.
[4]. Deliverer of her people - Where were the
men???? She believed God implicitly and inspired others
to do the same.
(Judges
4:6-9)
[1].
Deborah had the courage to summon the great General
Barak.
[2]. Her great ability and her faith are verified
by Barak in (vs. 8).
[3]. She fulfills her role of prophetess in (vs.
9). Food for thought: Did Barak lose his opportunity to
vanquish Sisera himself because he had to have a woman go
to battle with him?
[4]. Then she arose - she didn't sit home and
wring her hands or vacillate about what God wanted her to
do...she simply got up and did it.
There are
three kinds of people in the world: the
wills,
the
wont's
and the
cant's.
The
first accomplish everything; the
second oppose everything;
the
third fail in everything.
(Judges
4:10-13)
[1].
Heber was a Kenite whose tribe had traditionally been
friendly with Israel, probably at least back to the time
of Moses. Their end is foretold in (Num. 24:22) -
"Neverless the Kenite shall be wasted..."
[2]. He broke ranks with the Kenites and was at
least friendly enough with Canaan to spy for them. This
will be important later.
(Judges
4:14-16)
[1].
The enemy was larger and better equipped.
[2]. Deborah had confidence in God. In fact, she
sounds like a cheerleader!
[3]. God discomfits and delivers! All Sisera's
men were killed!
(Judges
4:17-19)
[1].
Sisera very wrongly assumes Jael's tent is safe territory
because of her husband's alliance with them. Jael doesn't
share her husband's sentiments which turns out to be a BIG headache for Sisera!
(Judges
4:20-21)
[1].
Jael felt strongly enough about the cause that she
violated established laws of hospitality. She also
probably cut down on the number of people who stopped by
her tent for a snooze!
[2]. Her action was obviously endorsed by God as
she is praised by Deborah in her song in (Jud.
5:24-27).
(Judges
4:22-24)
[1].
Deborah's prophecy in (vs. 9) "...for the Lord shall sell
Sisera into the hand of a woman" is fulfilled in (vs.
22).
[2]. With God's help the two housewives one the
war.
Application:
[1].
Many of us are housewives....where is our war?
(a).
In the nursery - it's not glamorous, but God knows
you're there.
(b). In the prayer closet --- pray for your church,
your pastor, each other.
(c). During the services - be supportive of the pastor
while he preaches. There is a reason he is preaching a
particular way since he is privy to information that
you are not.
(d). In our homes and marriages
[1].
The enemy delights in disrupting your marriage, and the
enemy is NOT your husband! The story is told of a coded
message sent to British outposts in Africa from the War
Ministry in London during World War I. It stated: "War
declared! Arrest all aliens!" The reply came back:
"Arrested 10 Germans, 4 French, 6 Belgians, 2 Italians, 3
Austrians, and 1 American. Please advise immediately who
we are at war with!" At least we are fortunate in that we
know who the enemy is.
[2].
The enemy wants your children as prisoners of war. And
that battle does not end when they reach 18.
How do we
fight our war?
(1
Pet. 5:8) reminds us that Satan wants to devour you. When
you are devoured, you disappear! That is exactly what
Satan wants you to do and will attack you from all sides
to accomplish that. You need to "kill" the enemy
daily.
Strong
women:
[1].
Recognize the challenge. Deborah in (vs. 6) / Jael in
(vs. 18)
[2]. Complete the job. Deborah arose in (vs. 9) /
Jael (vs. 21)
[3]. Need no credit for the job, but give the
glory to God and others. (Judg. 5:2,12,24)
Don't
always hide behind your husband or others in the battle
and end up a pauper in the Millennium. There is something
you can do!
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