His people to victory. The following are examples of strengths at work: Hard skills. Read those verses Deborah sings about Jael: talk about expertise, not only with a workmans mallet and a tent peg, but with an inspired poets power to craft words that pierce the heart. I will lead Sisera, the commander of Jabins army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands.. Has not the Lord gone ahead of you? Judges 4:14 NIV. Through prayer, she heard from God what to do about each case she judged. 1. Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army, was the weapon in the hands of the Canaanite king who had a terrible hold on the life of Israel. In a time of crisis, she trusted Jehovah and took steps to defeat King Jabin, Israel's oppressor. 80-81. There are many other nuggets throughout this post. Has not the Lord gone out before you? So Barak went down from Mount Tabor with ten thousand men following him.. Paul and Philemon When you spend time reflecting on and identifying your . They have three sons, two daughters-in-law, and six granddaughters. The Parable of the Late-Coming Workers 4Though the superscription (5:1) credits the song to both Deborah and Barak, the song itself describes Deborah as singing and Barak as warring (5:12). Key strengths of the UK's NHS include: It provides unusually good financial protection to the public from the consequences of ill health. Providing too much detail in reports. She sent a message to Barak, a known military leader, that he should muster 10,000 troops and plan to attack the enemy forces. Pitfall #3- Passing Yourself Off as Perfect. In this respect, the story of Deborah, Barak, and Jael is of a piece with other stories in Judges where the climactic deliverance depends on particular or even idiosyncratic personal characteristics (e.g., 3:21; 3:33).8In our story gender allows the author(s) to tease out the quality of the peoples response to God. An unaddressed weakness can lead to sub-par work, unhappy employees, or even a drop in productivity. God is love. The song of Deborah and Barak is much like the song that Miriam sang after the children of Israel were victorious over Egypt. And because she believed Gods words, she took action. There are a number of things which could be said of her. 12:1-10 Paul refuses to boast about anything other than his weaknesses. Awake, awake, sing a song! There are prophets who sit with Deborah under the palm tree, and advise noble deeds while they excuse themselves from facing the danger of achieving them." When we celebrate the strength of Deborah, we celebrate first the all-powerful God in whose story Deborah takes part. Its important to remember that Deborahs story is an important part of the Bible and the history of Israel, and it is worth studying and understanding her strengths and weaknesses in order to gain a better understanding of the history and culture of the time. Deborah is best known for being one of the few female prophetesses of the Bible and the only female judge in the book of Judges. ; Inflexible - Consuls place a lot of importance on what is socially acceptable, and can be very cautious, even critical of anything unconventional or . Deborah served as a wise judge, obeying God's commands. Were on a mission to change that. 5) sets a very different tone, focusing wholeheartedly on the power and action of God. 4. The prophecy addresses various specific audiences: the leaders and the volunteers who stepped forward (5:2, 9); the Israelites who now benefit from peace (5:6-11); the tribes who did and who did not muster for battle (5:12-123); Jael, the most blessed of women (5:24-27); and finally, indirectly and quite poignantly, the mother of Sisera who watches for her sons return in vain (5:28-31). She did not know it, but all these rescues pointed to the one great rescue God would accomplish finally through that promised seed, his own Son. Most basically, this Spirit-inspired poetry shows a heart turned toward the Lord God and his purposes. We are advised to read these chapters, then, as parallel and complementary reports. As soon as they knew the battle had been won, Barack and Deborah burst into song. Carefully Select and Use Self-Assessment Tools. Praise the Lord! What is decisive in the tellings of the tale is not gender as such, or even its ironic reversal, but rather the creative response by individuals within their given circumstances to the challenge of the moment. When she calls Barak to war against the Caananites, Deborah was only confirming what God had already told Barak. . They are imperfect and sometimes weak, and so am I. Israel, was chosen by God to serve His people at a very challenging time. Call . God used Barak's strengths, but he also knew his weaknesses. The song they put together was also a testimony as they recounted the events of how God showed up for them in battle. Constantine, Monks and Imperial Christianity Judges 4:5 (NIV), She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided.. Difficulty asking for help. Judges 4:9 (NIV), Certainly I will go with you, said Deborah. God had already set the stage, fought the battle, and won the war. Writing skills. Communication skills. . This robbed Barak of an opportunity to have a powerful, personal testimony with God. Second, regarding leadership. Barak would only agree to go if Deborah accompanied him in person. God will surely give you the measure of faith you need to be a stellar leader for Him. You don't have to devote half the interview to these answers. That the leaders took the lead in Israel, Jesus the Questioner Ability to perform under pressure. There is no strength but that given by the Creator God in whom is life and strength eternal. Quoted at least 50 times in the New Testament. With Deborah we see a leader who is freely willing to rely on the talents and gifts of others in the confederation. Someone had to teach these people the ways of the Lord. Her role as a leader was primarily in the northern tribes of Israel, and her impact on the southern tribes was limited. I am so pleased and grateful that this lesson on Deborah is helping you with your lecture. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Here is yet another lesson from Deborah in the Bible: dont play small. Out of a fallen world of sinners, he chooses a people to save and to use for his saving purposes. . But Deborah was not troubled by this. In conclusion, Deborah was a strong leader, prophetess, and warrior who played a significant role in the history of Israel. This might not fit the Pauline model for women in a church leadership role but the Lord will build His church regardless and honors faith over gender. Philadephia: Westminster, 1981), pp. This lesson from Deborah in the Bible is very controversial in some Christian spaces. God loves us. So let's pull together everything we've looked at above in terms of job strengths and weaknesses and run through a couple of full example interview answers now. 89027, The Strengths And Weaknesses Of Deborah In The Bible, Woman Dies Of Pneumonia And Then Returns From The Dead, Mothers of Faith: A Closer Look at Mothers in the Bible Who Prayed, Uncovering the Significance of Spiritual Mothers in the Bible, Believe It or Not: God Does Hear the Prayers of a Mother, A Study Of The Strong Women In The Bible And The Lessons They Teach About Inner Strength, 22 Beautiful Quotes About Being A Godly Woman, Celebrating Resilience and Hope: Women of Strength in the Bible, Understanding the Key of David: A Biblical Perspective, The Process Church of The Final Judgment: A Closer Look. Instead, Barak refuses to go without her. I.e women apostles/prophets. Sure enough the enemies began taking advantage of the weakened Israeli culture and religion. But may all who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength.. This is always the story of grace and the secret of supernatural power. She described where the battle would take place and promised the Lord would give him the victory. All gifts are spiritual and every single person receives at least one from God. Deborah not only speaks Gods word; she obeys it. Elijah and Elisha The story of Rebekah in the Bible meaning, characteristics and lessons learned, Jael in the Bible (meaning of the name, characteristics and lessons learned) . Team player. . -- Deborah Series Contributed by Timothy Cooley, Sr. on Sep 13, 2011 (message contributor) based on 5 ratings (rate this sermon) | 21,089 views. When we celebrate the strength of Deborah, we celebrate a woman on whose tongue lay Gods word. One cannot build performance on weakness, let alone on something one cannot do at all." Peter Drucker Peter Drucker Deborah Pinnock, SHRM-CP on LinkedIn: #strengths #motivationmonday # . Conflict resolution. Deborahs courage and bravery were another of her strengths. . That the people offered themselves willingly, First, regarding gender. They could not see the real enemy. This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. But finally praise goes to those who stepped up to the plate promptly and wholeheartedly: When people offer themselves willingly, bless the Lord! (5:2, 9). Further, it is not a unit. The story of Deborah isnt mainly about Deborah. Jeremiah and Hananiah Who are worth their weig, Powerful words. So Barak went down Mount Tabor, with ten thousand men following him.. Firstly, you need to remember that we all . Alternative Christianities At some point during the interview process, interviewers might ask you to describe your personal strengths and weaknesses. 2Alberto J. Soggin,Judges, a Commentary(OTL. Marry A Prostitute Every person had his or her own complaint. You will never get people to move if they dont accept a leaders influence. Deborah patiently taught and encouraged the people the God could deliver them. Trouble saying "no" to others. But as the years passed, people began to drift. She and her husband, Niel, make their home partly in Wheaton, Illinois, and partly in Jakarta, Indonesia, where Niel helps lead a network of Christian schools and universities. A Light from the East: Eastern Christianity (Part 2) In commands (Judges 4:6, 14), judgments (Judges 4:9), and promises (Judges 4:7, 14), Deborahs mouth overflows with Gods word. The Papacy Well, the weaknesses of animism are that there is no doctrinal claims, like the bible or koran, always afraid of spirits doing something bad to them, failure to address meaning of luife and that. Deborah is a prophetic picture of the church today largely occupied with men of little faith similar to Barak. Deborah experiences far more social and cultural freedomand has far more impact and satisfactionas an active servant and friend (5:31) of Yahweh, than the Queen trapped behind the lattice (5:28) of more rigid social possibilities in her helpless desperation. And thats what we see Deborah doing throughout this story. Deborahs prayer is the very last part of what is known as Deborahs song. But as the Spirit opens our eyes, we can dig relentlessly into Gods revelation, to get a clearer and clearer view. This was not her preference, but she rose to meet the need. Here is a strong woman used by God to exercise strategic leadership among Gods people; this is beautiful and important for us to see. The harsh oppression took two forms: forced slave labor timbering for the foreign king and forced military service because Judges 5:6 records, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways. With the special part women play and with the expression of Judges 5:30, every man a damsel or two, one must understand there was especially oppression of the women! 3. My positive attitude is definitely one of my strengths. But Deborah teaches otherwise. The attention it draws to the leadership of women is highly unusual for the OT, and its recasting of conventional roles is both deliberate and illuminating for the question, what sort of leadership serves best the God of Israel? Deborah trusted in Gods guidance and direction, as seen in Judges 5:12 (NKJV), where she states, Awake, awake, Deborah! . In Judges 4:14 (NKJV) it is said that Deborah said to Barak, Up! She is the perfect Bible character to study if you find yourself in spiritual warfare. They overshadow the spiritual experience of their followers and the followers look at them as being so extraordinary that they dont see themselves as someone whom God can also give extraordinary power. While it's beneficial to "show off" your strengths, it's just as important to show humility and acknowledge you still have room - and willingness - to learn and grow. Spiritual Practices as a Pastor, Almond Springs, Ep. Legalism and Antinomianism I am living in his story. He worked through three weaklings! Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Builds your self-awareness. Sanctification She was able to make difficult decisions and rally the people, as seen in Judges 4:6 (NKJV), where she sent and called for Barak the son of Abinoam from Kedesh-naphtali, and said to him, Has not the Lord God of Israel commanded, Go and deploy troops at Mount Tabor; take with you ten thousand men from the sons of Naphtali and from the sons of Zebulun.. 3. Will a professing Christian go to hell if he never shares the gospel? The lessons from Deborah in the Bible are many. 2. The battle itself is described as an appearance of God the Warrior, with all of creation responding to the theophany (5:4-5). Her reassurance and strong beliefs led the Israelites to victory. Deborah in the Bible Verses. Deborah yearned to see their nation steadfast in the worship of the Lord. When God fulfills His promise to us, we should sing, praise, and worship. Blessed. But at the same time she prophesied that because of his weak faith, God would deliver the victory of battle through a woman. THE STRENGTHS THAT JUST KEEP ON COMING "Well, I'm smart, I'm funny, I'm a great team leader, I work well with others, I'm prompt, I'm focused, I pay attention to details, I'm grounded, I really appreciate hard work, I'm never late, I can work weekends, I'm super excited to be here, I'm motivated, I'm" Whoa! Respectfulness. One of the first lessons from Deborah in the Bible we can learn is that when God calls us to serve others, we should take it seriously, especially when we know its an uncommon call. And there is no amount of money that can buy peace. For a time most people followed the Lord. She was prayerful and very attentive to the instructions of the Lord. He was weak in faith but he was also shrewd. Shifting from one project to another (multitasking) Taking credit for group projects. What lessons can you learn about God from His life? This is one of the first leadership qualities of Deborah. All the rest are fakes. Benedict It is now widely accepted that its archaic language indicates that chapter 5 is older than chapter 4, perhaps even the oldest portion of the Scriptures as we have them.2Since contrasting details remain, the two probably circulated as separate accounts of the same battle before being brought together in our canon. Enter your email address and we will send you a link to reset your password. Christian Interpersonal Responsibility Deborah's story is recorded in the book of Judges, and she is mentioned by name several times in other Biblical books. People skills. It was clear to the Israelites Deborah shared Gods message and not her own agenda. She simply rose to the challenge of the current crisis. Deborah is among the outstanding women of history. . If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Her ability to face difficult situations without flinching is definitely a hallmark of an extraordinary leader. I am a lecturer at Theological Institute, and I am very thankful for this lesson. It might not seem fair that, in the Hebrews 11 hall of faith, its fearful Barak who gets the callout in the roll of the faithful (Hebrews 11:32). Judges 5:5 (NIV), On that day Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang this song. Judges 5:7. So the Lord sold them into the hands of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. People will not always remember what you did but they are way more likely to remember how you made them feel. She encouraged Barak and acknowledged his role in leading the Israelites to victory. Public speaking. Was she the first feminist? Apologists The people of Israel have Gods word and are settled in the land he promised, on the way to becoming a great kingdom through which God will bless the nations of this fallen world. Two issues probably emerge most prominently as we ask what this story tells us about Christian leadership: what is the role of gender in relation to leadership, and what is the kind of leadership that is commended? Learn More, Deborahs leadership abilities were a great strength, as she was a judge and leader of Israel during a time of great oppression. As we move from the narrative of chapter 4 to the poetry of chapter 5, Deborah first praises God for Israels leaders who faithfully came out to battle: That the leaders took the lead in Israel, Considered the greatest Old Testament prophet. The Hebrew of the opening line of the Song of Deborah is notoriously difficult. Make sure you can give specific examples to demonstrate why you say that is your strength if probed further. Baraks hesitation to lead the army, for instance, foreshadows a timidity and desire for reassurance that mark later leaders (6:36-40; 11:20-33), and the lack of response from some tribes (5:16-17) signals the later drastic collapse of the confederation (e.g., 20:12-40).1This is one brief reversal of the spiral of decay that will finally require a monarchy to reverse. We in the church should, too. In general, there are some strengths and weaknesses you shouldand shouldn'tmention during a job interview. leading others through an in-depth study of Judges 4 and 5. We need to treat others th. My blogs and articles consistently perform well and reach the top of Google searches. Besides, he knew how her presence would inspire the soldiers. So are weaknesses. On the tongue of todays strong women or men is the word of God in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.
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