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She Gave Him Milk

Because Barak was reluctant to obey God’s commands though God had promised to be with him, Deborah told him that the glory that Barak could have gained from defeating Sisera would go to a woman.  While shrinking back, Barak still tried to regain that glory on his own … but you can’t thwart God.

I. Judges 4:8-23.  Deborah is remembered as the leader of God’s people in the battle with Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army.  While Sisera marched against Israel with 900 chariots, it is Deborah who tells Barak to fight in the battle that the Lord would win for him.  Jesus dying on the cross was part of God’s plan (Acts 2:23), and Gamaliel rightly warned the Sanhedrin that they could find themselves opposing God (Acts 5:39).  You can’t thwart God.

II. Judges 5:7-31.  Though Jael’s husband was a Levite, he was friendly with the Canaanites that had oppressed Israel for twenty years, so Sisera believed he had found rest and safety in his flight after the battle.  Using her wiles to conquer her enemy, Jael gave him milk when he asked for water and curds in a nobleman’s bowl while she waited for him to sleep.  Barak arrived to late to gain the glory as Jael had already “staked” out her victory.

III. Acts 4:23-31.  The account closes with the idea that God’s enemies perish but His friends rise in His might.  It’s not just important to be on God’s side but to be courageously and wholeheartedly serving Him.  Though Peter and John had suffered at the hands of the Sanhedrin, they prayed for boldness and spoke about how futile it was to try to fight against God.  His will will always be done.  If you are cowardly like Barak, you won’t gain glory.

God always finds a way for His will to be done.  You’re either with Him or against Him by your courage or cowardice.

 

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Low in the Grave He Lay

We focus on the anguish Jesus endured from Gethsemane to Golgotha for us, and rightly so, but what must that somber Sabbath been like for His very confused and scared loved ones while “Low in the Grave He Lay” who didn’t know that soon He would rise (Luke 23:54-56)?

I. John 19:38-41.  Expectations were dashed.  He had just entered Jerusalem triumphantly, hailed by the crowd as the awaited Messiah in David’s line (Matthew 21:7-11).  But now it was over.  Death was so final.  Just prepare some spices before dark and rest … because it is the Sabbath.

Low in the grave He lay–Jesus, my Savior! Waiting the coming day–Jesus my Lord!

II. Matthew 26:62-66.  Enemies were vigilant.  They had just watched Him enter Jerusalem triumphantly and heard Him hailed as the awaited Messiah in David’s line.  Still they had managed to kill Him.  Now, how to secure the tomb lest His followers steal His body and claim that He’s alive?

Vainly they watch His bed–Jesus, my Savior! Vainly they seal the dead–Jesus my Lord!

III. Luke 24:1-14.  Excitement was building … but they didn’t know it!  Gloom to the tomb characterized the women’s trip early on the first day of the week.  Their only concern was who would move the stone for them as the soldiers weren’t likely to help.  But then, what’s this?  Where is He?

Death cannot keep his prey–Jesus, my Savior! He tore the bars away–Jesus my Lord!

He is risen!  How can that be?  The verses sung slowly and pianissimo (pp) give way to a chorus sung quickly and fortissimo (ff) as realization comes that Jesus has indeed overcome death.

Up from the grave He arose With a mighty triumph o’er His foes; He arose a Victor from the dark domain, And He lives forever with His saints to reign: He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!