Celebrating the Power of Woman

Synopsis     Judges 5:21-6:1     6/12/2018

Deborah’s song concluded with a curse against those who refused to help the Israelite effort. The final section was a reflection on the role of women in the narrative.

The song celebrated Jael’s glory. She was a woman who recognized the situation for its potential and acted in accord with what she could see God doing. She worked in harmony with the very forces of nature to complete the defeat of the Canaanite general, Sisera.

Finally, Deborah contrasted Jael’s glory with the anxiety and grief of Sisera’s mother, who waited helplessly at her home for his return.

Celebrating the Power of Woman

The scriptures are full of remarkable women who radically shaped the world in which they lived. As long as she lived, Sarah was a full and exclusive partner to Abraham. Rachel and Leah were placed in the most impossible circumstances imaginable by their own father. And yet their children formed the first authentic community in history.

Through her wisdom and courage, Tamar was the principle instrument that God used to bring Judah to an awareness of his own sin and need for repentance. Miriam saved her brother Moses as a little girl. Though she knew her own moral failures, she supported Moses in his most desperate hours. These were just some of the ancient heroes.

And Deborah, who took her place in the line of faithful women, shaped the circumstances of her age. She was the arbiter of God’s voice to the Chosen People. She was courageous and wise and through her life, pointed to the unique contribution that only women can play in a successful culture.

Entering Into the Possibility of Your Life

All the things your life might be – all the things your life will be. You are capable of so much and you will achieve so much. We rightly talk about gender complementarity but the deeper issue for you, is just you.

Who you are in Christ. Your essence. Your purpose. Your possibility.

And like everyone else, though perhaps in a different way, the greatest hope for all that God intends for you is this choice that only you can make. The choice to enter, or not, into your freedom.

“And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” Luke 1:28