pramsay posted on November 04, 2005 00:00 586 views
Deborah was quite a woman. I read about her in Judges 4 & 5. She
was one of the judges of Israel during a particularly dark period in
their history. For 20 long years Sisera and his 900 chariots of iron
had mightily oppressed the children of Israel. Deborah said enough was
enough. It was time for action! She and Barak, her five star general,
rallied many in Israel to fight against Sisera. Sisera was defeated. It
was time to celebrate and sing. Deborah joined General Barak in a
Victory Song of praise to the Lord. It would have been quite a duet!
What
stands out in the lyrics is the fact that in a time of crisis, some
stepped forward to help while others did not. Men from the tribes of
Ephraim, Benjamin, Zebulon and Issachar joined the action and
contributed whatever they could to the fight. No big surprise - that
was to be expected! What gripped me more in the lyrics was the record
of those who knew about the need but contributed nothing.
Reuben had great resolves, thoughts, searchings and stirrings in his
heart but stayed among the sheepfolds. (Judges 5:16) All talk - no
action!! Gilead (Gad) knew about the threats and the power of the enemy
but he chose not to cross the Jordan to help out. Dan was too busy in
the shipping industry to participate. Wrong timing for him. As for
Asher - he loved the beaches. "Hey, man, I can't interrupt my vacation
at the seashore for something like that!!" (Judges 5:17) God's purposes
still moved forward. Victory was achieved - God was not the loser. Who
was the loser? Those who chose not to participate regardless of the
reason.
It reminded me of the loss that will be experienced at
the Judgment Seat of Christ as we read in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15. Is
there an opportunity for me to be more involved in spiritual activities
and responsibilities? Will my name be mentioned in a future day as a
contributor - someone who did as much as he could for the Lord? or am I
all talk with great ideas but very little action? is the sheepfold my
comfort zone? Gad's excuse was the River Jordan - what obstacles block
me? or am I too busy out on the high seas of the business world? or too
relaxed and cozy with my toes enjoying the hot sandy beaches?
Deborah's
song hi-lited the good and the bad. The Eternal Record doesn't miss a
thing; does not gloss over the facts nor does it alter the reality of
our lives and the choices we make. I will be the loser if I don't get
involved and do all that the Lord has enabled me to do. Wherever I
travel, I notice the happiest christians are those who are involved, participating,and doing something constructive for the Lord. The most miserable ones are those who are the armchair advisers - all kinds of opinions but do diddly-squat to help out.
"Lord give us the desire and the strength to be actively engaged in the
work that is of eternal significance. Pry us out of our comfort zones
to do more for Thee."