JUDGE DEBORAH
Suggested Reading: Judges 4
(click scripture link to read online)
The Church of Transfiguration is beautifully presented at the pinnacle of Mt. Tabor. Mt. Tabor is located in Lower Galilee, Israel, at the eastern end of the Jezreel Valley, 18 km west of the Sea of Galilee. It was the site of the Mt. Tabor battle between Barak, under the leadership of the Israelite judge Deborah, and the army of Jabin, commanded by Sisera, in the mid 14th century BC. It is believed by many Christians to be the site of the Transfiguration of Jesus. Therefore, it is also known as the Mount of Transfiguration. Remember how Peter wanted to build three tabernacles up here? Some well-meaning people have built one for Peter (Matthew 17:1-8).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Judges 4:4, 5b
Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, was judging Israel at that time…And the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.
God is an equal opportunity employer. His candidates for leadership included women as well as men. God chooses the person best suited for the task. Perhaps, because Israel’s judge was a woman, King Jabin, who was oppressing Israel, allowed her to continue in her role. She used her position of strength to recruit Barak, who in turn called up an army of 10,000 troops. Tomorrow’s reading tells us about the torrent of Kishon, the stream that runs across the valley between Mt. Tabor and the Carmel range of hills. Flood conditions bogged down the chariots of Sisera in the mud and Israel prevailed.
God had waited patiently until Israel called out to Him for deliverance before He would get involved. God does not necessarily bring trouble into our lives when we turn away from Him; it’s simply that if we abandon His presence and protection, and then try, in our own strength, to overcome our problems, we fail in our attempts at finding freedom. We, ourselves, have opened the door for the oppressor to triumph over us.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, I cry out to You daily for Your presence. You are most welcome to intervene in any way You choose in my life, my family, and in my community. You’ve created me in Your image, and that includes a free will. I yield my will to You so that I may do Your will. I pray this in the Name of the One who always did Your will, Your Son and my Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I’ve often stopped along the highway at the base of Mt. Tabor where the village named after Judge Deborah is located. (see picture below looking east down Mt. Tabor to the village of Deborah at Tabor’s base) The present road up Mt. Tabor is quite steep with many hairpin switchbacks. In 1978 there was an old very steep road up the side of the mountain. My son, David Reynold, who does the photography for the blog, had just turned 16. He had his beginners driver’s license but little experience. I let him drive the vintage, stick shift, under-powered Volkswagen van up to the top. My wife, Norma-Jean, will tell you that she prayed most fervently all the way up. I admit that it was scary. I know that she believes that the God of Deborah helped us greatly! Experience is a great teacher. I’m learning lots from the examples provided in the first books of the Bible. Read with me, if you have time, from 1 Corinthians 10:11-13. Just as Israel was tested, or tempted, by those who lived around them, so are we tested. But “God is faithful;” He will not allow me to be tempted beyond what I am able to handle, but will, with the temptation (testing), make a way of escape. I’ve had to learn, sometimes the hard way, that I must run from temptation. God provides the way of escape, but I must choose to escape into safety in Christ.
Yours for learning from the examples given here in Judges,
David
P.S. Ron was 14, sitting in the back of the van when his brother drove up Mt. Tabor. Click here for what Ron has learned about testing or temptation over the years.
View from next to the Church of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor towards the East. Below you can see the town of Deborah, named after the judge in today's Bible reading.
The view from Mt. Tabor to the South, showing the east end of the Jezreel Valley.
Our God wants us to want Him. He wants us to put every encumbrance and obstacle of desire aside, so that we might keep our eyes firmly fixed upon Him for our need. In our western society, this is increasingly becoming more difficult. Sports, entertainment, computers, smartphones etc. all vie for attention on a regular basis. Not that these in themselves are evil; but they can become as a god in our life if we’re not careful. The question we need to ask ourselves is, who are we serving today? The gods of King Jabin that are self-serving and worldly? or the Lord of Lords and King of Kings, Jesus Christ, “the author and finisher of our faith.” Choose wisely who you will serve today.
Doubled up today. Don’t know how I did that! Sorry to everyone who has to read it twice. As if the first time wasn’t bad enough huh? haha!
🙂
Thank you Scott, again blessed and I didn’t mind being it being a doubled one at all.
Our God wants us to want Him. He wants us to put every encumbrance and obstacle of desire aside, so that we might keep our eyes firmly fixed upon Him for our need. In our western society, this is increasingly becoming more difficult. Sports, entertainment, computers, smartphones etc. all vie for attention on a regular basis. Not that these in themselves are evil; but they can become as a god in our life if we’re not careful. The question we need to ask ourselves is, who are we serving today? The gods of King Jabin that are self-serving and worldly? or the Lord of Lords and King of Kings, Jesus Christ, “the author and finisher of our faith.” Choose wisely who you will serve today.
Great message, Scott! If we didn’t get it the first time, perhaps a second read will help! I have always felt some consolation in … ” no temptation has seized us that is not common to man.” We are not alone with any struggle that has not already been a temptation with another. Then there is the distraction part that when we are tempted, God will provide a way out. A distraction in redirecting our thoughts to our Lord, and the promise of a way out. Not easy at times, for anyone! But nevertheless, a promise.
Thanks for your support David. God Bless!
Great scripture for us to remember David, thanks.
Hi David
I also had to read few times
Thank you
blessings and prayers
AMAZING GRACE
Zeljko
See you and Norma -Jean soon
Thank you Mr. Mainse,
For this wonderful journey via blog, on Gods’ word and teachings and on the words and teachings of our Savour Christ Jesus.
We also have the benefit of great replies from all the bloggers such as Scott and David.
Well said gentlemen !
God Bless You and my fellow bloggers 🙂
Diane 🙂
Very kind of you Diane, I just write what’s on my heart. God bless you … and my fellow blogging buddies!
Thank you, Diane. It is wonderful how many replies are so heartfelt and responsive to our daily scripture readings and David’s thoughtful prayers and commentary. Gods blessings to all participants!
We owned one of those VW vans. Our 16 yr old son frequently had to stand up while applying the breaks! That trip up the mountain must have been a red knuckle ride! Very thankful that God protected you all.
Well said, David, Scott and David. I enjoy all the blogging. Am reading your book, “Journey into Joy” David for the first time and am enjoying it. Reading last night about love, laughter and letting our lights shine in this dark world, resisting the enemies tactics to steal our joy. God bless. Yes, there is temptation all around us, and we need to fight the battle inside and outside us. God bless.
Thankyou David, for your faithfulness doing this blog. I pray for strength and healing virtue to continually fill you, body, soul and spirit.
Deborah has been such an encouragement to me over the years…I am touched
by Gods’ heart for women.( I have to read something MORE than twice to really
get it ) : )
We so enjoy the little family vignettes you share with us, David. I can picture
your ride up the mountain and it makes me smile. God has truly made us a family.
Thankyou fellow bloggers, I identify with all of you…you are edifying to the body
of Christ. May God richly bless each one and their families!!
Amen!
Very much enjoyed the message and beautiful photos, today of Mt. Tabor. It must be so meaningful to reflect on those memories with your family in Israel, David.
I especially loved today’s prayer, calling out to God and yielding our will before Him, so that we may do His will; just as the people of Israel were called to do in Judges. It is the same then, is now, and will always be–it’s all about God. Amen.
Wishing everyone a blessed day!
The word ‘God’ is a ‘title’, not a name. It is the same title given and used for
Baal, Ashtoreth and others. Hebrew scribes made a decision to change it
from His real name, pronounced ‘Yahweh’, because they decided it was
too holy to speak. But Yahweh never told them to do that. His Son’s Name
(English translation) is Yahushuah. In His closing days before Calvary, He
spoke to His Abba (Father) and said: “I have declared Thy Name’. That was
part of His ministry on earth. We should be doing the same. This will come
as we serve Him in spirit and in truth. Everything about our testimony should
say ‘truth’. Amen.
Thank you for this insight. For it has arrived at the perfect time and certainly gives clarity. Our Heavenly Fathers love abides forever.
Thank you Scott
I just submitted to God but I never thought they can be idols.
When I read it in James I underlined it and will continue to submit them
Thank you David for the pointing out the scriptures
Lianne Hogg
Thank you fellow bloggers for your Holy Spirit inspired replies and God has been showing me that anything or anyone can be an idol if it or they come before Him. Thank you Scott for reaffirming that!!!
Thank you David M. and Scott, and David for what you posted in todays blog. There is so much distraction and things that can easily come ‘first’ if one is not careful, even simple things as the computer and our cells phones. They are good in and of themselves but sure can take over in a hurry! As you said Scott…who and what are we serving today, is a good question to ask ourselves.
BTW….I enjoy everyones comments as well ! 🙂
Thank you Reynold for the beautiful ongoing photo’s!
Thank you David again for your words of encouragement. I have just come out of a testing. Your words and beautiful prayer have blessed my spirit. My prayer continues to be that, Almighty God will to give you healing and strength through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
Thank you also for the pictures Reynold, they bring the bible to life.
Thank you Scott and David and all my fellow bloggers, I look forward every day to your comments . Many a day my heart is lifted by your words.
Isn’t it wonderful that we already have the victory over the battles that come against our spirit . Praise God!
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