The Biggest Surprise

The Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, after Ehud died. So the Lord sold them into the hand of King Jabin of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor; the commander of this army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-ha-golim. Then the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help; for he had nine hundred chariots of iron, and had oppressed the Israelites cruelly twenty years. At that time Deborah, a prophetess, wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel. Judges 4: 1-4 NRSV

You just cannot second-guess what God is going to do next or through whom God will do it. You think a left-handed man in a public bathroom was a bit much? You were surprised by the use of a farm tool for a massive offense? Ha! You haven't seen anything yet! God is going to use a woman to save Israel!

We just have no concept of how surprising all this would have been for the Israelites. I guess it would be like an Hispanic gay man who ran an abortion clinic leading America back to true worship and following of God through the efforts of his atheist friends. That would only happen if that person showed how bad they were and that got people back to God, right? What if God used that person instead? What if that person became God's instrument rather than the object of God's wrath?

Impossible.

Not gonna happen.

No way.

Just like God called a woman to be a judge in Israel.

Just like God using Deborah to lead the Israelites to freedom.

Just like God doing something right now with the person who is least expected.

You.

God, use me for your work in the world. Amen.

Question of the day: How is God using you for God's work in the world?

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims