JUDGE DEBORAH
Today’s Reading: Judges 4
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
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, like Deborah, 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 Deborah 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 the first 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
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.
Beautiful photos, history lesson and prayer. Deborah is a strong biblical example for women to turn to as a role model for leadership. Deborarh was Israel’s lone female judge and the only judge to be called a prophet. Quite the snow storm here. Please pray for God’s favour on my life in the next month, saints. He knows all my needs. Wishing His blessings of warmth, safety and wellness upon you all, today.
Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Cor 10:11-13 NKJV
Chris Tomlin – We Fall Down (Lyrics)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9jhLNDfAKQ
Love that thought (I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross). Unfathomable. Praying for favour for you Beverlee in whatever you are facing in the future. May God be especially close to you and be your EVERYTHING. He has been so amazing with me leading up to my sister’s passing and after. We were very close. He knows our very thoughts and He knows our needs. May you be greatly blessed. Amen
Agreeing with Doreen…may you be greatly blessed Beverlee, may our Heavenly Father surround you and protect you in the coming weeks ahead!
May the God of hope fill you with his joy and peace!
As David wrote in today’s blog…God is an equal opportunity employer.
I just love that!
Amen Doreen. May you feel the presence of God, Beverlee, in whatever you are facing. May He bring you peace and comfort.
Also Blessings to all bloggers and those in need of prayer. We may not know them, but God does.
Amen
Beverlee I am also holding you up in prayer with the others. God is mighty and awesome, He knows what you need to happen in your life. He will see you through whatever you are facing.
Blessings to you and all on this blog.🙏🙏
Amen
Amen Eleanor M.
Agreeing with you in prayer for Beverlee.
Prayed David’s Prayer for Today.
May our God bless everyone on this blog,
in Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.
Yes, agreeing with others for God’s favor on your life in the next month Beverlee. Lord Jesus help Beverlee to come through victoriously in whatever situation she is facing in Your name, Amen! Will keep you in prayer. Yes I have been up Mt. Tabor and it is scary! May the Lord bless your day saints!
Thank you, all you beautiful saints for holding me up in prayer. I pray for all of you, as well. Please be careful, today. It started snowing in the middle of the night, here, and has not stopped. Praying for everyone’s safety.
Thank You, Father, for Your Word, Your Presence in our lives, and Your People. Forgive us for all our sins, and help us to follow You all our days. In Jesus’s name, amen
Agreeing with everyone’s prayers for you, Beverlee . May the God, whom you serve, show up in your situation in all His power and glory and May He bestow His favour on you and grant you victory!
Amen
Agreeing with everyone for Beverlee and everyone on the Blogs
needs.
In Jesus Name Amen.
Amen to all above prayers and comments.
Twice a day I pray Psalm 91, you are all included.
I seem to be extra tired tonight so thought I’d check in before turning in. Night all.