I realize I am in the midst of plenty of other “series”, but I thought I would revive a series I began 2 years ago by writing some on-again-off-again posts on thoughts that challenge the evangelical status quo, using the heading “what about…” I do not promise that they will be frequent, long, or even all that inspiring. Hopefully, though, they will inspire novus•lumen in your own spiritual life.
Also, as a bit of a disclaimer, the novus•lumen “what about…” thoughts will not so much reflect what I think as much as what I am thinking. Yes, there is a difference. While you might be frustrated with my ambiguous positioning on a range of issues, I assure you that I am just as frustrated 🙂
My first post will be: what about…Deborah.
be His,
-jeremy
J, very good writing and thinking. I’m inspired.
Deborah freakin’ RAWKED.
Many arguments have been made that God raised Deborah as a judge for Israel solely because all the righteous men decided to take a vacation. Judges 4, however, indicates no such thing. “Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites came to her to have their disputes decided.” (v. 4-5) There she was, under her very own palm tree, doing what all the judges before her had done, and all the ones after would continue to do: trying her darnedest, with the wisdom of God, to sustain peace among God’s people.
And here’s the crazier thing: Because Barak was too fraidy-cat to do what the LORD said, Deborah prophesied that the bad guy would be handed over to a woman. The Biblical Story rules…you’re totally thinking that Deb means herself – but then It twists on you…she didn’t care about her own glory. Jael dispatched Evil Mastermind Sisera with a tentpeg through the frontal lobe. Bada-bing, bada-boom.
Who is this chick? Just a girly God raised up, willing to take center stage when God willed, willing to take a back seat when God willed. Would that all prophets and judges, regardless of gender, did the same.
Keep thinking, Jeremy. Blessings…
Thanks so much Kimmie 🙂 That means a ton coming from such a thoughful and skilled writer!
Thanks for reading my stuff and make sure you leave comments to set me straight 🙂
jeremy
GREAT comment, Aly. I hope my post today helps you apply your insight of Deborah to modern Ecclesial issues…
jeremy
Cool. Looking forward to it.