Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Remembering and Celebrating Women’s Ministry
Judges 4:4-16
Vs.9  And she said, “I will surely go with you; nevertheless, the road on which you are going will not lead to your glory, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.” 
                Woman (Eve) created from Man (Adam) in God’s image has been branded the first feminist and hailed as the founder of the New Age movement for her desire for higher wisdom[1].Eve’s story is proof of women’s inferior reason, their innate feminine guile, or their superior daring and courage[2].
                God expects every woman to use her talents and wisdom for the work of His kingdom. The Grace of God encompasses all the wrongdoings and failures that take place on our paths to our eternal destiny. Deborah stands out as an exceptional woman in a male dominated society by taking up her small platform against injustice and oppression- commanding political, social and spiritual authority in biblical history. The meaning of Deborah is “bee”, which means its duty is to give honey but in danger it retaliates with a sting . Deborah, a female judge, in the book of Judges rises from her position of being a mere judge in times of need to win the battle against the Canaanites.
                Deborah –an Israelite judge and prophetess (Jdg.4) was the wife of a certain Lappidoth. Deborah is referred to as “a prophetess”, the only judge thus described (4:4). She held court under a giant palm that stood between Ramah and Bethel and that came to be known as “the palm of Deborah”[3] .Deborah is the only woman in the Bible who is put in political power at the consent of the people. Deborah is patient, trained, and ready[4]. Deborah doesn’t just judge, lead and win in battle. She speaks the truth about the future-acting both as a leader and a prophet[5]. Deborah knew that the deliverance of Israel was God’s work. So her assurance to Barak about God’s deliverance of Israel was with confidence. Deborah fulfils the role of a prophetess by her prophecy that a woman will slay the enemy which turns out to be true with Jael who stabs the leader of the enemy in her tent. Therefore, Deborah’s prophecy comes true. Israel is delivered in battle by God with Deborah at Barak’s side giving the land of Israel peace for forty years. Deborah is credited with pioneering in women’s ministry as a judge and prophetess. Women are expected to come out of their inferior or guilt cells the foundation of which was laid by Eve.
According to Ruth A. Tucker, “As Judge, she is Israel’s military leader as well. No title of commander in chief, but she is expected to see to it that her armed forces prevail in battles against the Canaanites. Another hat that she wears is that of diplomat, a political leader before Israel had a King. She is also a prophet. In that capacity, she directly hears from God and sings a grand song of triumph after the army returns victorious”[6]. Deborah’s extraordinary leadership boils down to a few key points. Start small. Be faithful. Be willing to go big or go home. It’s a winning strategy for any leader in training[7]. God wants every woman to take up roles like Deborah which would mean to have complete faith in the Lord Almighty and act accordingly in times of need. God expects us to be faithful in little things first, though we think we are confident to do ‘much higher important work’.
PRAYER
Lord, use us as Your instruments to reveal Your integrity and purpose among all, with faithfulness. Amen.
 THOUGHT FOR THE DAY 
Deborah is used by God because of ‘who she is, not in spite of who she is’ revealing to us that God does not limit his choices to circumstances, culture or even gender ( Dimickle Susan)
Mrs. Lisha Thomas, W/o of Rev. Thomas Kurian MTC of Oklahoma

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more