“When the leaders in Israel lead, when the people freely volunteer, bless the Lord!” (Judg. 5:2).
This comes from a rather intense story found right in the middle of the pages of Bible concerning Deborah the Deliverer (read Judg. 4-5). But as a male spiritual leader, I have something to say to you, mighty women of God! We cannot afford for you to be fearful “little women” in your own eyes. It is time for you to arise! We need you!
Instead, you must arise like Deborah of old and pick up your warrior’s mantle for such a time as this. Today, across the globe and right in our own backyards, there are enemies on the rampage tearing apart society at every corner. My late wife, Michal Ann Goll, and I founded the Women on the Frontlines conference movement. In her inaugural book, Women on the Frontlines – A Call to Courage, she issued a clarion call that still needs to be answered today.
We live in an age that is sorely lacking in heroes. Think about it. Who can we look at today and regard as a hero? Certainly there are some, but they sure are hard to find!
Isaiah the prophet said that when a people comes under judgment, God takes away wise leadership from the land—the hero, warrior, judge, prophet, elders and others (see Isaiah 3:1-4, NIV). During a time of restoration, the Lord restores the land. We are now entering a time of restoration, and the Lord is calling us to be heroes.
He is preparing us for a time soon to come when the world will cry out for leaders who are in touch with the heart and the mind of God (Michal Ann Goll, Women on the Frontlines, 145).
It’s time to arise and carry Deborah’s heart and anointing! But to do so, you must hold close to your heart the teachings of Zechariah 7:9-10, which says, “Thus says the Lord of Hosts: Execute true justice, show mercy and compassion, every man to his brother. Do not oppress the widow, orphan, sojourner, or poor. And let none of you contemplate evil deeds in your hearts against his brother.”
Who was Deborah anyway? She was a prophetess, a judge, a wife, a warrior and a worshipper of her God and ultimate King. Deborah brought healing, deliverance and restoration to her land. She changed the justice system and she brought trade and commerce back to her people. She and Barak joined together in the infamous battle against Sisera, and won!
It’s time for men and women to join together and provide real leadership and justice like Deborah and Barak. As a male spiritual leader in the global prayer and prophetic movement, I say to you, “arise!” Come on now! We can do the same today! Change society. Shift the courts. Bring revival and restoration to the land. Because, always remember, together in Jesus, we make a great team!
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