Read Judges 5:1-5
Last night we talked about how Deborah, Barak, and Jael defeated Sisera. This chapter is the song Deborah and Barak sang about the battle. In vs. 2 they are praising God for the victory he gave them and for the people who freely offered themselves. Barak couldn't fight this battle without the people who volunteered to risk their lives and fight. We are in a battle for righteousness in a very evil world. It is so important that we stand together like we did last night, praying for each other and standing with each other when we are going through a hard time. Most of the time no one notices what we do, but it doesn't mean it is not important.
At church we are also going through a fast. I encourage you, if you have not gotten in on the fast yet, that you jump in. Pray about what God wants you to offer Him. Maybe it's your music he wants you to put down. Maybe it's food. Whatever it is do it willingly. That was what a free offering was all about in the OT. They were required to bring certain burnt offerings and sin offerings at certain times each year, but the free-will offering was not required. They gave it when they wanted to.
Verse 4 tells how 10,000 men on horses defeated many more men and 900 iron chariots. God sent earthquakes and rain. Iron chariots don't roll very well in the mud. It would be like driving a car and blowing 3 tires. They were swerving all over the place and very frustrated. Verse 5 says that the mountains melted. So the ice on top of the mountain melted and the water came flowing down like a river. Romans 1:18 says that Gods shows his anger from heaven against wicked people. He definitely did that a lot in the OT. Rain, thunder, hail, lightning, floods; all to show his power. This is a great illustration of how God will go to great lengths to help us win our battles over sin, strongholds, and our enemy.
What is your part in God's army? What is the battle you are in right now? What does God want you to do next? Is there anything you would want to freely give him? These are all questions God can help you answer.
I pray that God will be so near to you that you can feel his arms around you. May you be able to climb up in his lap and give him all your pains and weights. God, I ask that you speak clearly to each one of us and show us the plan you have for us and what it is that we can do next. Help us know how to fight our battles. Be our leader and strong tower. We love you with all our hearts.