Listening To God And Obeying Him

Read Judges 4:1 to 5:31 • Deborah as Israel’s Judge

Rosella Shishido

Ancient Israel had a patriarchal society; thus it was interesting to read in this passage about a
woman leading Israel. Deborah, a prophetess, was appointed judge of Israel at the time when
judges led the Israelites. This was after the death of Joshua and before the rise of monarchy.
Biblical judges, unlike the judges today, were leaders raised by God to save the Israelites out
of the hands of their enemies (Judges 2:16).

It was clear that Deborah heard from the Lord. Like a faithful follower, she listened and obeyed
God by relaying His command to Barak to go and fight Sisera and his powerful army.

Deborah’s obedience resulted in Israel’s surprising victory over the more dominant Canaanite
army. Her obedience also set the stage for Jael, a woman with no title or authority, to slay the
feared Sisera. This serves as a good example of how obedience to God benefits those around
us, as well.

Pastor Dan Chun received God’s leading in involving churches in Hawaii to help the poor
around the world. He acted on this leading and called Compassion International to inquire
if they would fly 25 pastors from Hawaii to visit a project site in the third-world to witness
children in need. Compassion agreed. In the Philippines, the pastors caught Compassion’s
vision of releasing children from poverty. Upon returning, they shared this vision with their
churches. Congregations heard and obeyed and as a result, hundreds of children received
sponsoprship. The obedience of one resulted in the deliverance of many.

How often do we hear God and act on what He tells us to do? Perhaps it’s a word of
instruction, information, rebuke, or encouragement that needs to be applied to our life.
Sometimes we are eager to hear from God but not eager to respond.

God Almighty can execute His plans using anyone He chooses. Consider it a privilege when
He invites you to be part of what He’s doing. Just do it.

P r ay e r
Father, grant me ears ready to listen, a heart that’s sensitive to Your Spirit and the courage to
follow through with what You want me to do. In Christ’s name, Amen.
 DAY 27

Questions
What did you hear from the Lord this week that requires an action from you?

How responsive are you to what the Lord calls you to do?

Think of times where your obedience led to others being helped, blessed or encouraged.

MY Reflections
Does any particular verse (SCRIPTURE) in today’s reading speak to you?

OBSERVE what this verse is saying to you:

How can you APPLY this verse to your life today?

My PRAYER for today is: