Will You Refuse or Respond to God's Call?

Judges 5

Uncle Sam Wants You is among the most iconic of military recruiting posters. It dates back to the First World War. There have been many calls to arms throughout history. One occurred in the 12th Century B.C. during the the period known as Judges in the Bible. Barak called upon his countrymen to come and join the battle against their enemy. Some refused and some responded. The Song of Deborah recorded the battle with its heroes and zeroes.

The tribe Ruben refused the call. There was much second guessing in their ranks. They were victims of paralysis through analysis. Ruben was indecisive and did not share in the victory.

Gilead had chosen to remain on the other side of the Jordan when Joshua went in to take the country but they were required to help in the conquest on the other side of the Jordan (Joshua 1:12–15). The years had passed and because of the natural barrier between them, (the Jordan River) fellowship seemed to have grown cold. They refused the call.

Dan did not have the overcoming faith to take the land that God had promised. The Amorites had driven Dan into the mountain country. Their faith was weak and they missed the blessing.

Asher lived by the coast and worked with commerce, boats, trade. The enemies of Barak and Deborah were their customers. When God had called him to battle he stayed and did “business as usual.” They had no vision for the work of the Lord.

The harshest words were against Meroz: “'Curse Meroz,' said the angel of the LORD. 'Curse its people bitterly, because they did not come to help the LORD, to help the LORD against the mighty.'” (Judges 5:23)

Failure to participate is considered an abomination. God expects His people to become involved in his work. Non-involvement is unacceptable.

There is praise for those respond: “Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves.” (Judges 5:2)

An important theme in Deborah's song of Victory is the willingness of the leaders and people. They did not hesitate as the others did. Zebulun and Napthali will always be remembered as the tribes that risked their lives for God.

God uses those who respond. God will only use a person to the extent of their surrender but God will get his work accomplished.

Are you a refuser or a responder? Will you be indecisive? Uncaring? Unfaithful? Too busy? Will the kingdom advance in your presence while you miss the blessing?

When the princes in Israel take the lead,

when the people willingly offer themselves

praise the LORD!

Judges 5:2

The Bee* That Stung a King

Judges 4

Deborah was a prophet and judge who inspired Israel to defeat a powerful army.

Deborah was a woman of character.

Character describes the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. When people looked at Deborah, they saw a leader standing firm in the Lord. Deborah did not become a respected leader overnight. Character is built over time through consistent behavior. Helen Keller said, “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened.”

We can be sure Deborah was wise and fair. Israelites would travel to where Deborah held court so she could settle their disputes (Judges 4:5). She was like Judge Judy.

Deborah was an exceptional person but there was more to her leadership than her special talents. What really made Deborah special was her closeness to the Lord. God spoke to this woman and she listened. God spoke through her and the people listened. It was Deborah’s special relationship with God that was recognized by all the people, and that won her their respect.

One element of good character is trustworthiness. This includes honesty and reliability. Always do what you say you'll do and avoid deception.

Another element is respect. Those who treat others with respect usually are respected. Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements. Perhaps, all that needs to be said is to follow the Golden Rule.

Deborah was a woman of confidence.

Her confidence came from her faith in God. Sisera, the leader of the enemy's army, had 900 iron chariots and many thousands of skilled soldiers. They greatly outnumbered Israel. She understood that it is in impossible situations that God's strength is most visible. The Bible tells us, “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

There was never any doubt in Deborah's mind that God would do as HE said.

What impossible situation are you facing: debt, poor health, broken relationships? God is greater than all these things. The Bible says: “we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39)

*Deborah means honey bee.