Ladies Coffe Connect - Deborah

We have to be intentional about things, first knowing, and then doing, even as Moses intentionally prepared and anointed Joshua for succeeding him as the leader of Israel. Sadly, Joshua did not do the same, leaving Israel in chaos when he died, during which time everyone did what was right in their own eyes. – the very way in which our modern society is operating. During this chaotic time of Israel’s existence God raised several judges to help his people repent of their wicked ways, return to him, and overcome the enemies who had invaded them. The fourth of these judges was Deborah. Deborah fulfilled five roles, that of a prophet, a judge who settled disputes, a leader, a mother and a wife. She did not usurp God’s structure of spiritual authority but gave His word and instructions to Barak, the commander of Israel’s army, to attack Israel’s oppressor Jaben. But, because of Barak’s weakness and fear, the glory of the eventual victory over Jaben went to a woman named Jael, who killed the commander of Jaben, Sisera, by driving a tent pen through his temple. This morning’s group discussion was about why the people trusted Deborah’s leadership, what practices help us hear God clearly and what it might look like for us as women to develop that kind of spiritual influence. The question was asked, what the cessation of village life mentioned in Judges 5:7 meant, and where that could be applied to the lives of the people attending this meeting. The encouragement came to arise in Biblical ways like Deborah did. Further topics to discuss were - why did Barak need Deborah’s presence to fulfil God’s instructions, and the importance of encouragement and partnership in leadership.