THE BATTLEFIELD

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. " Ephesians 6:12

God’s Word is filled with stories about men and women who passionately pursued God and zealously served others. They fed the fire! Here’s Deborah’s story and song on the battlefield as recorded in Judges 4 and 5 after she lead the Israelite army against Hazor. The victory was complete when Jael picked up a hammer and drove a tent peg through the temple of Sisera, the commander of Hazor’s army.

To feed the fire on the battlefield, you must be willing to fight! Deborah sang about the princes in Israel who took leadership in battle and the people who willingly volunteered and were available when summoned (Judges 4:10, 5:2, 9). Are you a willing leader? Do you crusade for justice or retreat from conflict?

To feed the fire on the battlefield, you must know and follow the Leader! When the Israelites went out from Seir, it was not Deborah who took the lead, but God. When the Lord marched from the land of Edom, the earth shook, the heavens poured, the clouds poured down water. The mountains quaked before the LORD, the One of Sinai, before the LORD, the God of Israel (Judges 5:4b-5). Do not run before Him, lag behind, or chart your own course. It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him (Deuteronomy 13:4).

To feed the fire on the battlefield, do not allow others to discourage you! Four tribes did not lend a hand in the battle. They stayed among the campfires, lingered by the ships, and remained on the coast, rather than joining the battle they had been called to (Judges 5:13-18). They did not come to help the LORD, to help the LORD against the mighty (Judges 5:23b). Do you get discouraged when others refuse to help, preferring to linger by the lukewarm waters or remain on the coast of apathy? Don’t let their choices put out the fire He has flamed within you. Let His Word and Spirit encourage you, and seek out relationships with God’s people who will urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received (Ephesians 4:1).

PASSION Step: Deborah arose and made a difference on the battlefield the Lord assigned her (Judges 5:7). Will you do the same? If so, how and when?


"We are spiritual pacifists, non-militants, conscientious objectors in this battle-to-the death with principalities and powers in high places. Meekness must be had for contract with men, but brash, outspoken boldness is required to take part in the comradeship of the Cross. We are "sideliners"- coaching and criticizing the real wrestlers while content to sit by and leave the enemies of God unchallenged. The world cannot hate us, we are too much like its own. Oh that God would make us dangerous! "

Jim Elliot

Grace and peace- Lenae