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DEBORAH–BARAK–JAEL (III)
LORD’S DAY, JANUARY 15
Judges 4:11-16

Proverbs 20:6-7

 

“Most men will proclaim

every one his own goodness…”

 

DEBORAH–BARAK–JAEL (III)
 
Men often seek their own glory and honour in their pursuits. In the call and commissioning of Barak, his reluctance comes out clearly, but we can see in him other traits too. Though his reluctance shows the weakness of the men at that time, his reluctance does not diminish his true faith in God (Heb 11:32). His faith in God is seen as follows:
 
“And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh…went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him” (Judg 4:10-14). In this, his faith, courage and leadership are seen. Having received the assurance he wanted, the following resulted:
 
(1) Barak’s leadership is seen. He gathered 10,000 soldiers, and then went before and they followed him into battle.
 
(2) Barak’s courage is seen. He had been hesitant, but not afraid. Once assured, he did his part and kept his word. The enemy might be mighty and very well equipped, but he had given his word “I will go” and he did not go back on his word. That men would heed his call, and follow him into battle reinforce the leadership and courage of Barak.
 
Barak’s faith shines in all this. His pursuit was purely based on God’s Word. He had been chosen and commissioned, so he went forth to battle. He knew that he would not get any personal glory, for he had been told, “the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour” (Judg 4:9); and yet he still took that journey not seeking his own good or personal glory. This characterises a faithful man. What if people were to remember his weakness in that a woman had to ride by his side for him to go to battle, or that it was a woman who slew Sisera the captain of the army? How then would people perceive him? He still went forth, he did his part, and led the army, and his remembrance was not based on what he did not do, but rather on his faith as stated in Hebrews 11:32. Faith will always sacrifice personal glory, and overcome personal fears in the pursuit of accomplishing God’s will and purpose.
 
THOUGHT: Intent and affection manifest in conduct and pursuits.
PRAYER: “Take the world but give me Jesus, in His cross my trust shall be.”

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