Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” “Very well,” Deborah said, “I will go with you. Judges 4:8-9a (NIV)
During the period 1050-1000 BC, Israel experienced a number of different leaders. None of them ruled for long periods, but all were appointed by God to lead the nation during critical times when the leaders and people had strayed from following the Lord.
This account teaches one main point: leading effectively during crisis often requires leaders to experience the same danger and hardship that followers face.
Deborah gave orders to Barak, her top commander, to fight and defeat the powerful army Canaan which was ruled by King Jabin. Barak agreed to go, but only on the condition that Deborah go with him.
Deborah went, and Israel won a resounding victory. She demonstrated courageous leadership in the face of danger.
Barak did not. Though he had attained the highest position in the Israelite army, on this occasion he failed the test.
Here are two contrasting responses to a leadership challenge. Which example you will follow?
The content of this Devotional comes from “Daily Strength for the Battle (You, God’s Word, 5 Minutes): Volume 6 Developing the Leader in You” (2020) and is copyrighted by Scott and Judy McChrystal. Used with permission.
