Judges Sermon Series - Part 3

Sermon follow-up 1/20/25

Introduction
In the book of Judges, we find a powerful story about God's ability to bring victory in seemingly impossible situations through unlikely heroes. The tale of Deborah, Barak, and Jael demonstrates how God specializes in doing what seems impossible while using ordinary people for His extraordinary purposes.

The Setting: An Impossible Situation
The Israelites faced oppression under King Jabin and his military commander Sisera, who possessed 900 iron chariots - the ancient equivalent of having nuclear weapons. For 20 years, the people suffered under cruel oppression until God raised up Deborah as judge and prophetess.

Key Lessons from the Story

1. God Specializes in the Impossible - Through an unexpected rainstorm during the dry season, God caused Sisera's mighty chariots to become stuck in mud, allowing Israel's inferior army to achieve victory. This reminds us that God often works in ways we could never anticipate.
2. We Need the Family of God in Battle - Barak's request for Deborah to accompany him wasn't weakness, but wisdom in recognizing he needed God's prophet with him. This illustrates how we need fellow believers to stand with us in our spiritual battles.
3. All Victory Comes Through Christ - The story emphasizes that victory came from God alone, not human strength. Similarly, our victories today come only through Christ's power working in us.
4. God Uses Ordinary People - Jael was "just" a housewife who used ordinary tent-making tools to defeat Israel's enemy. This shows how God can use anyone, regardless of their position or status.
5. Jesus is the True Judge and Source of all Justice - Psalm 96:10 tells us the LORD reigns and will judge the peoples with equity, which means we don’t have to. We can turn the other cheek, knowing that one day He will right all the wrongs done to us.

Life Application

Consider these questions this week:

• What "impossible" situation are you facing that needs God's intervention?
• How are you engaging with the family of God to face your battles?
• In what ways might God want to use your ordinary life and skills for His purposes?

Challenge: Take your everyday, ordinary life - your work, relationships, and daily activities - and intentionally offer them to God this week as opportunities for Him to work through you. Remember that the battles you face have already been won by Christ.