Stand In The Gap: Raising Men Of War

Stand In The Gap: Raising Men Of War

Text: Judges 5:6-8

This verse is part of the Song of Deborah, which reflects on the state of Israel during a time of turmoil and depression. Deborah is known as the mother of warriors.

Verse 6 mentions the days of Shamgar and Jael, describing a time when the highways were abandoned, travelers took winding paths. This was a period of great insecurity and fear since normal life was disrupted. The brokenness was societal, as people were unable to travel safely hence a loss of order and protection.

Verse 7 speaks of the villages being deserted until Deborah arose as a mother in Israel. This points to a leadership vacuum where no one was providing the necessary guidance or protection. The wounds of the broken are also symbolic of a nation that has lost its direction and needs healing through strong, righteous leadership.

Verse 8 highlights that Israel chose new gods, leading to war in the gates, and mentions that there was no shield nor spear among the forty thousand in Israel. The spiritual infidelity of the people caused their downfall and left them defenseless. The brokenness here is also spiritual, as turning away from God led to their vulnerability and suffering.

Deborah comes and plays a catalytic role.

1. Bringing change.

- She initiated significant change in Israel without being overtaken by the problems of her time. She stepped up in a period of great disorder, when the highways were abandoned, and people were living in fear, and she transformed the situation through her leadership.

2. Restoring order.

- Her leadership restored order and security to a broken society. Under her guidance, the Israelites were able to regain their confidence, face their enemies, and reestablish safety.

3. Inspiring action.

 - Deborah’s role as a leader motivated the people of Israel to take up arms, return to God, and fight for their freedom. Her example served as a catalyst that moved the nation from a state of paralysis to one of action and renewal.

4. Spiritual revival.

-Spiritually, Deborah’s role was important in turning people back to God. Her faith and leadership catalyzed a return to righteousness, leading to divine intervention on behalf of Israel.

• Don’t disqualify yourself from action just because you are a mother,
• Expand your capacity to mother beyond your family.
• God can use anybody to turn around bad situations.
• For change to happen, someone has to do their part.
• God gave Deborah the opportunity to work with both men and women.
• Willingness is your entry point to action.Deborah stands as an example of what it means to stand in the gap- Judges 5:7
• We are called to Stand in The Leadership gap.
• Remember, refusal to act allows oppression to continue.