Day 74

The Tale of Three Women

Read: Judges 4-5

One must admit that in many ways the Old Testament is primarily a story about God and men. There are exceptions, however, and this is one of them.

The first woman in the passage is Deborah. She is a prophetess, a woman who shares the message of God with God’s people. In this time of oppression by the Canaanites, she calls Barak to lead the armies of Israel against the enemy. He is very reluctant; in fact, he refuses to go unless Deborah goes with him.

The second woman is Jael. Having been defeated by the intervention of God, Sisera, the enemy general flees on foot and seeks refuge in the tent of Jael. She lures him into false security and when he is asleep drives a tent peg through his head. It is not a pretty picture, but war never is.

The third woman is the mother of Sisera. She is anxiously waiting for her son to return home from the battle, bringing the spoils of war with him. But she waits in vain, for he does not return. How many mothers and wives have had similar experiences? Oh, the tragedy of war!

Today God still wants to use men and women in the battle against unrighteousness, which we are to wage not with military weapons, but through prayer and faithful witness by word and deed. Whether you are a man or a woman, God has a ministry for you.

PRAYER
Here am I, Lord. Use me! In Jesus’ name. Amen.