Today's reading from the One Year Chronological Reading Plan is Judges 3:31-6:40.
Nicole was unable to do today's post, but we had company over today and I didn't check my email until just now! So, here goes - sorry it's late.
One more quick comment on yesterday's passage. I read the commentary about Ehud and the author made some really good points about why certain details were included and why some were excluded.
He concluded that there is not much information on Othniel because he was a great man, an honourable man, and it would be easy to worship such a hero instead of God.
There is a lot of info on the Ehud story because the details show that only God could have orchestrated all those "coincidence". (Read the commentary for more details, it's really rather fascinating)
There is almost no info on Shamgar other than to let us know what weapon he used. The commentary suggests that this is to show that it's not the weapon that matters (oxgoad of Shamgar, mini-sword of Ehud), it's that the Lord is fighting for them.
On to today's passage.
If you're interested, the commentary on bible.org on today's passage is Strong Women, Weak Kneed (Wimpy) Men
Chapter 4 is the historical account of the defeat of Sisera, and Chapter 5 is the poetical account. The commentary provides a lot of information about the text.
The point I want to comment on is this - Jael is the woman that is praised for her actions, not Deborah.
Jael was a simple nomadic wife. She kept her tent tidy, she practiced hospitality, she made beds and blankets - and she could drive tent pegs into the ground. She was an ordinary woman. God can use ordinary women - like Jael, like you and like me.
It doesn't matter if we think we are unskilled, or insignificant or not influential. In fact, perhaps all these things make it easier for God's power to be recognized and the glory given to Him. God can use anyone for His purpose.
Our sole job is to be willing.
May we be willing, Lord Jesus!
Tomorrow's passage: Judges 7-9:21
1 comment:
Thanks, Tammy, I read the commentaries. There was a lot of great stuff there.
As I was reading the passage and especially the part about Jael, I had the same thought about God being able to use anyone, no matter how ordinary or unskilled we may feel we are. It's a good reminder to do the best we can with whatever we have or are able. We don't know how God will use our seemingly small talents for his purpose.
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