Faith’s Hall of Fame: Barak (Part 2)
Think for a minute about what Barak was asking. Who was Deborah?
Faith’s Hall of Fame: Barak (Part 2)
Hebrews 11:32
“And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of … Barak …”
Barak was a remarkable leader, and his faith surfaces no matter what angle we look at him from. Any leader must know what it takes to succeed. Without that information, your chances of success are greatly dimmed.
Barak told Deborah that he would not go into battle unless she went with him. Some people see obstinance in that attitude. If God is telling you to go, then you should just go, right?
Think for a minute about what Barak was asking. Who was Deborah? She was a woman — that much is obvious. We’ll talk more later about the incredible role that women played in this story. For now, though, let’s remember the other role that Deborah played.
She was a woman, a judge, and a prophetess. Barak wanted that last part. He wanted to assure himself that God’s Word would go with him into battle.
Let’s just dwell on that for a minute. How many godly leaders fail to remember that basic principle? The book of Psalms puts it this way:
Psalm 33:16–18
“The king is not saved by a mighty army; a warrior is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a false hope for victory, nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength. Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, on those who hope for His lovingkindness.”
Barak knew that God’s Word would lead him to victory, and Deborah was his greatest weapon because she carried that Word with her. That’s a great lesson for you and me to take home from Barak’s story.
Can I get an Amen?
Ephesians 6:16–17
“…take up the shield of faith … and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”
