Good morning people who obey even in less than perfect circumstances
Hebrews 11:32 NIV And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets.
You can find the story of Barak in Judges 4-5.
In summary, the people of God were once again oppressed by an enemy because of their rebellion against God. The prophet Deborah was the judge in Israel at this time, and she called Barak and told him to fight against the enemy.
Barak ended up routing the enemy, but this is his initial response:
Judges 4:6-10 NIV She (Gideon) sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, “The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: ‘Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mount Tabor. I will lead Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands.’ ” Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” “Certainly I will go with you,” said Deborah. “But because of the course you are taking, the honor will not be yours, for the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman.” So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh. There Barak summoned Zebulun and Naphtali, and ten thousand men went up under his command. Deborah also went up with him.”
As I read Barak’s story, there is nothing “Wow!” that stands out to me about his faith. In fact, I see him being rebuked by Deborah for saying “I won’t go unless you go with me.”
At this point, some may have gone away sulking, but Barak didn’t. He still went, and he utterly routed the enemy. And maybe that’s our lesson of faith today.
When we don’t do the journey perfectly, and even if we are corrected by a leader, do we still keep a good attitude and fulfil God’s will for our lives?
Watch a 2 minute video on “A Victorious Church”.