Judges 4:1-24
In this story, we read of Sisera, the captain of Canaan's army, who oppressed the children of Israel and of God for twenty long years. God does not take kindly to that. God is the true Father, and any harm that comes to His family is not something He sits idly by and watches. So, Sisera fled, thinking he could run from people, an army, and even from God, but he was dead wrong. The tent he thought would provide safety only proved to bring fatal judgment upon him, and this tent was the dwelling of a woman named Jael. Sisera fell asleep peacefully, knowing all would be safe and well, but God had another plan. Remember—God stood in Heaven and watched the oppressive hand of Canaan's king, Jabin, inflict, through his captain, indescribable pain to those God calls His offspring. The Father said to Jael, "It is enough; now is the time." So Jael ended Sisera's life—as well as the horrid reign of King Jabin—with one ringing pound of a tent stake through the captain's temple as he slept.
There is no sense in reading this story if we aren't planning on standing back and saying, "What does this mean for me?" It must be a growing time! To me, the horrid, oppressive king represents anything in our lives that could be considered the "enemy;" actually, anything that God Himself would consider an enemy to us. These kings and enemies can come in any form, but truly, it is anything that takes our hearts, thoughts, and love away from God. In this event, another king has set up a throne in our lives, and we are being oppressed, whether we know it or not. We let our hearts and lives be filled to the brim with "kings" and their rule, and leave God in the dust.
We have many things that our hearts linger on—good and bad, happy things and sad things—and God wishes we could see them for what they are..."evil kings." We may let sad feelings take over, depression, or denied hopes; or they may be things that make us happy—our families, friends, get-togethers, games, jobs, and whatever else fills our days. Do these things affect us more than seeing the face of God, and worshiping at His feet? Do they bring light and smiles to our faces, more than thoughts of God? If so, they are kings to us, and God does not want to witness their oppression any more. He wants to be the King and Father in our lives, and the rest will be brought into submission under Him, in their right place. The Father and Heavenly King loves to see His children happy, and He loves to give good gifts. Let us not worship those gifts, by making them our sole focus and joy. Let us worship the True God and giver of all good things. He is worthy! Let us welcome The King in the lowly manger and into our lowly hearts, as well. Let us grow in making ready His worthy throne, in no other place but the center of our hearts, and go on in Him!
~ Kara Heather Frantz
