Thank You For Your Service

“My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless ye the LORD.” (Jud 5:9 AV)

The words above are part of Deborah’s song of victory over Sisera.  With her husband, Barak, they led Israel against a neighboring nation that had oppressed them.  Deborah led Israel to victory and chapter five is the result of that victory.  She was the only female judge in the history of Israel and many believe she was chosen because Israel lacked strong male leadership at the time.  Therefore, there were two ways Deborah could have gone with her victory song.   She could have extoled the fact she, instead of a man, led Israel to liberty.  She could have held herself up as an exception to a rule who had earned it.  She could have made mention of a lack of male leadership and the nation was blessed to have a woman stand in the gap when there was no man.  Or, as we see in the verse above, she appreciated what the leadership did do.  Her heart was toward those who stepped up, fought, and led with her.  She did not diminish their commitment.  She valued it and she extolled it.

I have seen too many bitter servants of God resent the lack of commitment they perceive should be in others.  There should be a camaraderie with those who serve, regardless of their perceived commitment level.  This reminds me of the last battle David fought before he became king.  He, and his men, were holed up in the territory of the Philistines.  While they were away fighting for this pagan king, a band of marauders came to their base camp.  They invaded, stole all their cattle, and took all their women and children.  When David arrived at camp to find it all gone, he immediately saddled up and went after the intruders.  However, because they had just finished a battle, some of the less capable men were not strong enough to undergo this campaign.  So, David left some behind to protect what they had left.  The rest went to battle.  David was successful.  He brought back all the families and belongings.  With it, he also brought back much spoil.  When they arrived home, he instructed to spoil to be dispersed equally among all regardless of their commitment level.  This angered those who went to battle.  They didn’t think the small remnant that stayed back with the stuff should enjoy any spoil.  David required they split it evenly.  Commitment level did not determine recognition.

Deborah shows great leadership here in allying with all who sacrifice regardless of how much they sacrificed or if they might have sacrificed more.  She did not resent what was not done.  She was grateful for what was done.  There is also another principle here.  Those who sacrifice for the LORD tend to have a unique relationship with one another that others simply do not have.  The shared experience of sacrifice and service has a way of building strong and unique relationships that can come in no other way.  Deborah appreciated those who gave what they could.  She knit her heart with them.  She appreciated them.  She held time up as souls worthy to be admired.  Rather than use their shortcomings as a means to elevate herself, she chose to ignore what they were not and value what they were.