LORD’S DAY, DECEMBER 16
1 Corinthians 14:34-36
Judges 4

“… Deborah … judged Israel …”

LET THE WOMEN BE SILENT (II)

Some may raise objections to the forbidding of women to teach authoritatively in public worship. One common objection raised is that of the daughters of Philip (Acts 21:8-9). However, note that the daughters were prophesying in the house of Philip and not publicly. Hence, this is not a suitable example to use as an objection.

What then about Deborah the prophetess in Judges 4? We must understand that Deborah ministered in a time when Israel was in the spiritual doldrums when every man did what was right in his own eyes. The fact that God raised a woman to judge Israel was a strong rebuke to the men in those days for their lack of spirituality. Thus, when Deborah met up with Barak, she quickly exhorted Barak to take charge of the entire situation. “And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?” (Judg 4:6).

Let us also observe that Sisera was finally killed by a woman and not by Barak. The LORD permitted this to be a spiritual wake-up call for the men! Nevertheless, amid the lack of male leadership, God can still use women to accomplish His will.

Similarly, there may be special circumstances where a woman may need to preach for a period. For example, a woman may be the forerunner to a place that has not heard of the gospel. For this period, that lady may be the most suitable person to teach and preach God’s Word as there is no one else more spiritual than her. In this case, surely no one should forbid her to speak! Nevertheless, once the believing community matures and grows in the faith, suitable men should be raised from their midst to take up leadership within the church.

THOUGHT: Am I submitting to God’s instruction?
PRAYER: Father, raise up men of leadership in the church.