Heroes: Devotions From Time of Grace MinistrySample

LEADERSHIP: DEBORAH

In most hero stories it seems that the script usually reads that the man is the brave and courageous and visionary one and the woman is the compassionate and emotional and intuitive one. Deborah is a hero of mine because she stepped up when none of the male leaders, including Israelite commander Barak, had the courage to act.

Sisera, the Canaanite king of Hazor, a fortress city in the north of Israel, had been terrifying the Israelites for two decades with his raiding and attacks. He had nine hundred iron chariots under his command! When God finally had Israel's attention and repentance, He sent word that a divine rescue was on the way. "Then Deborah said to Barak, ‘Go! This is the day the LORD has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the LORD gone ahead of you?" (Judges 4:14)

The Lord brought about such a complete victory that Sisera's entire army was destroyed. And because Barak had been so hesitant, even with a direct divine prophetic promise, God gave to another woman, Jael, the significant honor of slaying Sisera.

Deborah was also a phenomenal poet. May I suggest that today would be a good day for you to enjoy her stirring poem of praise to God in Judges chapter 5?