Deborah: A Woman for the Times

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While the Israelites were doing evil in the sight of the LORD, they simultaneously cried out for deliverance from the cruelties of their neighbors as well as from the iron-chariot oppression of Sisera. Deborah sat under her tree and managed the lawsuits and complaints of neighbors against neighbor so the situation with Sisera seemed to be no surprise. The moment of crisis was not sudden or unexpected but a long-standing one. Deborah speaks to Barak as if she’s had enough of evil in general, asking a question that seems to have been asked of him already but went ignored, “Has not the LORD, the God of Israel, commanded you . . .” (4:6) Her steady obedience stands out brightly in stark contrast against the dark disobedience of Barak and the nation of Israel. God is ready to work when somebody obeys. Barak’s response to Deborah echoes with the strains of God promising Moses that His presence will go with him and the nation, to which Moses responds “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.” (Ex 33:14-15).

Effective leaders have already learned the difference between what is within their control and what is not in their control. Deborah knows she cannot control the people or the oppressor, but she can control her response, which comes out on the side of righteousness. Furthermore, she had a “view from above,” that permitted her to see where the real problem lies, and this is what she addressed head-on. Both perspective and control must be rooted in the spiritual before it can be effective in the physical. One cannot see from God’s perspective without being with Him, nor can one respond appropriately without discernment. J. Oswald Sanders writes, “without a strong relationship to God, even the most attractive and competent person cannot lead people to God.” (Sanders, 2007, 18). God blessed Deborah with the victory of leading her people back to God.

The relationship between personal character and effective leadership is clear. Barak was not an effective military leader as long as he lived by mob rules instead of God’s rules. Character was rescued and leadership became effective when Barak simply did what was right, in accordance with God’s commands. When a culture abandons biblical injunction and spurns biblical leadership, people live in growing fear and paranoia, chaos ensues, and the temperature of the culture changes. When people follow giftedness and skill, that’s all they get. The strength of the one is not transferrable into strength for many.
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Sanders, J. Oswald. 2007. Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence for Every Believer.

Chicago: Moody.

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