THE LIFE GIVER
“In the days of Shamgar son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the roads were abandoned, travelers took to winding paths. Village life in Israel ceased, ceased until I, Deborah, arose, arose a mother in Israel. (Judges 5:6-7 NIV)
The children of Israel had again done evil in the sight of God. They had forsaken the One True God and chosen new gods. In His anger, God delivered them into the hand of Jabin, the king of Canaan who oppressed them greatly. The Bible says that in that day, travelers abandoned the highways and instead, took the winding roads, the round about ways. (Judges 5:6). The Bible further says that village life ceased (Judges 5:7) In other words, every form of activity came to a standstill. There was no trade or commerce, no tilling of the soil. The whole country was desolate and the people were forced to live in walled and fenced cities. There was no peace to him that came in or went out of the city because the enemies were at the gates (Judges 5:8). There was no administration of justice and everyone did as they pleased. It was in that state of distress and confusion, God raised up Deborah.
No matter the confusion, God is always in control and He always has a plan. God always has people He will use to change the status quo and deliver His people from bondage. When the children of Israel were in bondage in Egypt, He raised up Moses and when they were being oppressed by the Midianites, He raised up Gideon. The Bible says Deborah arose, and took her position as a mother in Israel (Judges 5:7b). A mother signifies a number of things. First, a mother is a life giver because it is she who brings a child into the world. A mother is also a nurturer, one who nourishes, feeds, supports and promotes the development of a child. As Deborah took her position, as judge over Israel, a change took place, village life, which was dead, was restored.
Jesus Christ is the true-life giver. While God raised up Deborah to bring about change only in Israel, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ Our Lord, to bring change to the whole world. He came to change the status quo and deliver us from the bondage of sin. He said, “The thief comes to steal, to kill and to destroy but I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10). His mission is still to seek and to save those who are lost so that we who were dead may live again.
If you have not given your life to Him, do so today and let Him change you. Friend, just as village life changed when Deborah became judge so will Jesus change your life and make everything new. The Bible says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold all things are become new (2 Corinthian 5:17). You may be a Believer but have yet to surrender every area of your life to Him, do so today. Let Him be king in everything. He has promised “And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.” (Isaiah 42:16).
Prayer:
Lord, I bless you today. I thank you for the new life that I have in you. Thank you for saving me and delivering me out of the miry clay and setting my feet upon a rock to stay. May I forever trust you. Thank you for sending the Holy Ghost to guide me in the paths that are pleasing to you. May I be a blessing. May you shine through me. I love you now and always. Amen.
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