ScriptureJudges 4:8-98 Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.”9 “Certainly I will go with you,” said Deborah. “But because of the course you are taking, the honor will not be yours, for the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman.” So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh.Observation - What does it say?Because of their sin, God gave Israel over to Jabin, king of Canaan. But after some time the Lord planned to deliver them. He spoke through the judge and leader of Israel at the time, Deborah, and commanded Barak to lead the Israelite army to fight Jabin’s army. Rather than simply trusting God’s word and obeying, Barak puts a condition on his obedience: He will only lead Israel’s army if Deborah accompanies him.It appears that Barak had more trust in Deborah than in God to bring about victory. And because of it, the victory and honor would pass from Barak to someone else.
Understanding - What does it mean?Putting conditions on obeying God causes us to miss out on the victory and honor God intends to give us.God had given Barak the opportunity to be used by him to bring complete deliverance for Israel and to be honored in the sight of all God’s people. But Barak missed out because of his unwillingness to obey without reservation or condition.
I was reading in our Catalyst book this week, “When Heaven Invades Earth,” where Bill Johnson writes about Christians making the excuse that they will obey God’s command to make disciples after they become more mature/stop sinning/learn more/etc. It sounds honorable to want to grow in character before we obey the command to disciple others, heal the sick, raise the dead and cast out demons. But God never gave us that option. When Jesus gave the following commands, it was to imperfect disciples with no reference to prerequisite character or maturity requirements.
Matthew 28:18-20 “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 10:7-8 7As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.'
Maturity and growth in godly character comes as we obey, not before we obey.
Life ApplicationObey fully, without condition or hesitation.God, forgive me for the times I try to justify my lack of obedience. Help us to be a people that obeys you fully and experiences the fullness of victory and honor you desire to bestow on us. Thank you that it’s not about our ability, but our availability and willingness to surrender to you. Our trust is in you! Amen.- Levi ThompsonTo check out the discussion or join in click here.
