May 30, 2004 MEMORIAL DAY

Rev. Rurel Ausley

Deborah: The Patriotic Woman
Judges 4:1-16

1. How important is "remembering" to you? On Memorial Day it is our practice in the United States to remember those who have died during wartime. Do you have a loved one or friend who you will be remembering on Memorial Day? How important is "remembering" in the Christian faith? I wonder how many times God has commanded us to remember something? What happens when we forget spiritual truths? God?

2. What kind of problems with remembering did Israel have? (Judges 4:1) What happened over and over in the book of Judges? (17:6) What happens when we refuse to remember our past mistakes? (4:2) How does the Bible serve as a continual reminder of the things we need to remember?

3. Let's look at some lessons from Deborah that we will do well to remember and not forget. Lesson 1: Overwhelming circumstances are not the measure of a situation. A cry to God makes possible the impossible. How is this true? (4:1-3) What kind of mess is Israel in and how did they get in such a mess in the first place? (4:1) How long have they suffered in virtual slavery? How does this show what happens to a nation when they cast off God? Do you think there is a point in time when God removes his protection from a nation when they deliberately remove themselves from Him? Why or why not? What does it mean that God sold them to their enemies? What was the turning point for Israel? (4:3) How does a cry to God make things possible? (Matt. 19:26) Discuss this: A nation's strength is not ultimately in its military but in God.

4. Lesson 2: Fear can make overwhelming circumstances the measure of a situation. Trust in God's Word can overcome that fear. (Judges 4:4-10) What is God's response to Israel's cry for help? What leader does He find available? At first glance, how does Deborah ("honey bee") compare to Sisera and 900 iron chariots? What made Deborah someone that God would choose? What makes a wise leader? What is the word from God the people are called upon to trust? (4:6,7) What chance does an undersized, ill prepared, weaponless army have against 900 chariots? Who trusted and who didn't? (4:8) What was the penalty for lack of trust? Yet, Barak is recognized as one of God’s faithful men. How was victory already assured before Barak ever left for the battle?

5. Lesson 3: There is no power in overwhelming circumstances. The power is only in the hands of the one and only true and living God. He alone is able to deliver us in every situation. (Judges 4:12-16) Imagine what it must have been like to take your pitiful army onto the mountain knowing that you will soon face 900 iron chariots? What do you think Barak's men are thinking? What might Deborah be saying to them? Who gave the time and command for attacking? (4:14) Then what happened? (5:20,21) Now who has the power? Where did the credit go for the victory? (4:23)

6. Conclude by discussing any personal applications these principles may have to our lives today.