Download... July 17, 2011. Sunday Morning Service. Sis Elina Gonzales.
Since September 2010, I had presented myself to the special interest for the United States with a purpose in mind to come to the United States. As you can see, a lot of time has gone by, nearly one full year,... just to be able to arrive! I am very thankful for the efforts of those here in the USA, who have helped me get here.
I have many thoughts to tell you, one that I have lived many years, full of experiences in the ways of God. If God gives us enough time we have stories to share, possibly later in the evening service.
It is very different, from a different culture and language, to get across all that God has done for us. But I can always depend on God’s help to do something,..through me. We can’t always do the things we want to do, but God can do what He wants! I hope this morning God will again bless, with the message to this congregation and your pastor. As I arrived in Havana to prepare for this trip, I began to receive many phone calls from all over the country. giving greetings, and offerings of prayers that as I traveled here, God would be a blessing in this effort. And again the Cuban congregations are very thankful for the efforts of God’s church here and in Miami that continues to support Cuba’s ministry.
There is a very big difference between the Latin people and ,..you all. But God knows all, each one of us, ..to be different! The groups are varied,..but God’s ministers to each of individually. God cares for both the body, and each individually.
TEXT JUDGES 5:1-2, 16-21
2 Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves.
1.Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying,
5:16-21
16 Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.
17 Gilead abode beyond Jordan: and why did Dan remain in ships? Asher continued on the sea shore, and abode in his breaches.
18 Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field.
19 The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money.
20 They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera.
21 The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength.
This biblical account has a needed spiritual application. When the children of Israel celebrated special occasions, it was often sung in form of songs. For the people would more likely forget a verbalized history,... but songs were more easily remembered.
A song is an emotional experience that grows spontaneously out of us. The Hebrew songs were of admiration. The Hebrews were a people of song, as today’s children of God are a singing people. Everyday is a celebration of what God has done for us. Our songs, is what helps motivate us. The people of God have had many difficult times, oppressed by religious “invaders,” so God gave them charismatic leaders, that would lead and guide them together,..in the defense of the people of God.
One of those leaders of that time, Deborah, a prophetess, was chosen of God to lead the warriors in courage for God ,..against the enemy through song. Captain Sisera, host of King Jabin of Canaan’s army, came towards to attack the children of God. God then indicated to Deborah that she needed to resist the invaders. She did not do as many women had done in cases like this, such as “Joan of Arc” who covered herself with armor, and went into battle, as a man might do. Deborah did, in her own fashion, exhort in the songs of praise, and for the avenger of Israel, (so they would all come together under the leadership of a man named Barak). So Deborah called all of the tribes so they would be unity with all of the others, with a goal in mind of confronting Sisera. Some of the tribes came and joined up, others did not.
Sis Elena says as she studied this, she found it so very interesting, as a mirror of the Church of God today. The COG of today is not that much different, when it comes to coming together in unity. The Lord Himself said that He came not to be served, but to serve. Let us consider the first tribe of Dan of his of tents and boats; Deborah asked a question of Dan,..”Why did you stay back?” Many times the questions from the bible are to confront or challenge our mind. When God asked that first couple (Adam and Eve),”Where are you?”..it was a very important question!
In this historical biblical account in Judges, Deborah influenced by the Holy Spirit“ asked of Dan, ...why did you remain in the ship?” The tribe of Dan had a maritime business, he would bring goods to the harbor, and sell directly from the ship. Dan had received the message from Deborah, “come and help us” in the defense of Israel. They were moved by what Deborah said, and many of the men seriously considered this in light of what they saw and heard of the firearms, and the men’s cry of sufferings from the enemy’s attacks. But then in that moment a sudden thought came to them, “If going to battle, what would happen to their business and ships?” “Wouldn’t it be better to just remain neutral?” After some thought, they made a decision,..”Tell Deborah, I will accompany her in spirit.” (A very good response for “him”). All things that happened, ...happened for a reason. Though many had died, ..a thought challenged them,..”what would happen to their goods,..if giving in?”
Deborah’s thought in purpose was, .”I will comfort them in spirit with songs of praise to our God.” They considered “their” decision a good one in light of a mental challenge of thought of “what man would allow a woman to go out to battle, causing others to die in Israel, (a thought to them of grief.?)” How many of us today could identify with Dan? The same question is one that could be asked by God for all of us as His church. The songs came though, and were sung to encourage the army of Israel to press forward to their goal. Will your ship arrive, or will it shipwreck in the way of faith? I Timothy 1:19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck.:
Too often people have their priorities misplaced, conceptually thinking “What’s in it for me?” Many have chosen self centered goals as their priority. Therefore many are sad, ..they looked at their fleshly opportunities, ..and lost their vision. Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. In the end here (in Judges) all was lost. All their “gain” turned to “ashes.” The popularity these men had enjoyed at this time, had turned bitter. In the end when they saw the great joy of those that had done God’s will, they realized the great tragedy it was. Some today around the church also choose their own self interests (although perhaps “legitimate”) to the detriment of their souls.
Let us consider now the tribe of Asher. The message to help had also come to them, through an anxious messenger. Deborah had asked Asher, “Why did you remain on the seas?” (He apparently was on “vacation and cannot interrupt it ) and was very busy, working a lot, being tired. And today also, there are many people like this, who prioritize their physical interests. They like to go on their weekends to get away from everything. But we need as God’s people to think of the church’s/God’s interests first, and not be as Asher who “as God’s child also” reasoned that God’s work’s was for those that weren’t so busy. Asher mistakenly thought that he deserved time off, without any interruptions. Asher like many today also, “excused” himself with the thought he “was sure that there were many others that would be more equipped to help Deborah out, with God’s people/church.” Asher said flattering words of “excuse” that Deborah was marvelous and he was praying that she would come to victory, in explaining the difficulty of leaving his business behind.
Isn’t that the way it often is, to rely on others to do the things that we don’t want to do, so that we can do the things that we do want to do? People often want to take care of their own needs first before the needs of the body of Christ. They might help “if they have time left.” This scenario can cause the body a sadness unnecessarily. This biblical account of Deborah, Dan, and Asher has a message for us today, their two tribes demonstrated many of the problems in the church of today. Reuben of another tribe, was a scenario of great divisions and searching of the heart. Verse 16 Being read here as the continuance of this story. These of Reuben’s tribe, were very considerate, known for good judgment, were well instructed people. Actually they were the instructors,.. the ones who spoke. When they received the urgent message from Deborah to unite for battle, they immediately got together as a council to discuss the grave, dividing circumstances, and wisdom of potential actions. They realized the decision was too grave for a quick decision, which might be incorrect. They needed more time to have a plan for victory in this battle. While discussing,..the battle continued.
After considering the problem, they decided the it was based in Deborah being a woman. They forgot God’s anointing on her. They felt their decision was needed to refuse to go to the battle. People today also are too troubled with temporal things, (as with personalities, etc.) Claiming to worry about “so called spirituality,” so much they forget to help pull those eternal souls from spiritual fires. God is very interested in the body of physical lives,..on your life! Yet God is even more interested in the souls outside the realm of safety, found only in Salvation. God governs not as a democracy, but as the King that He is. Thankfully not like our government who “say” they are of the people, but only rule over them. This is different, very special, with God as our King! Therefore all the potential ideas of men in spiritual service are not of God, but a hindrance to His work. Many that have excuses,...have no real spiritual base.
The tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali, were a people who were hard working and from whom Deborah was hoping for a better response. Both were out working hard in the field, when the messenger arrived from Deborah. The were looking forward to getting together with their families and resting after a hard day’s work. But verse 18 tells us that Zebulun and Naphtali were a people who jeopardized their lives to the death for the cause of Deborah. They said “Thank God for Deborah, let’s support her!” “Let’s put an end to the army of King Jabin, and their bands of invaders. They put away their instruments for the field, and exchanged them with weapons for the battle. They embraced their children, and wives in both sadness and kindness, and marched to the battlefield. The war ended quickly. There were six tribes that got together, but the glory did not go to them. The victory was won through two women, Deborah, and Jael (who bravely had killed the enemy Sisera of King Jabin’s army). These two women were filled with the Spirit and direction of God. These two women were the ones that made possible the triumph and victory of the battle.
Verse 20 “They fought from heaven....” This speaks to us that our battles,.. are not our battles alone. Our battles are God’s battles, we are not by ourselves in these. It would be a mistake to think we would have victory without our Captain! We know today all the battles our Church has been through, but today also they are God’s battles, we are never alone! He is still calling us and expects us to listen. The Church is built with many different peoples, but we need to unite. Who are the people who are like Dan, Asher, Zebulun and Naphtli? God’s pastors knows who they are. The call of God is still there,..God has not changed in the purpose of man, his life and soul! He still loves all, like the one attacked on the road, whom a Samaritan rescued. (Luke 10:30-36) There are still Samaritans. He is waiting for this needy world, for there so many differences within it. Many injustices and inequities. Everyday there are many fears of more things, and today God is still calling to us.
Those of us who have had the privilege, and have been illuminated, God has revealed Himself in a very special way, so that we would know the truth. For that very reason we are very responsible to that which has been given to us from Him. Just as those two who Deborah asked to go, (and were unwilling), He can ask,..confront,..question us,..”What are you doing?” “I have saved you. When we have been saved,..that’s not the end of it,..but the beginning! That’s the beginning of God’s purpose for our life. I don’t know if we have new converts amongst us,..but it is tremendously emotional when we first get saved. I got saved when I was twelve years old. I remember that moment as if I were living it now. It’s something that is unforgettable. For after He saved me, then I understood, that this wasn’t all that God wanted us to do. God wants to do something with, and through your life.
God wants us to do what God has planned for us, for the benefit of others. That is the Church. That is us. I ask of this beautiful congregation, already doing all that you do, are we conscious and aware amongst all our fears, issues, what is our own disposition? What can God do in, and with my life, for the good of others, and the glory of God? For all the glory, all the honor, ...is for Him! For we are here for Him, ...to serve and work for Him! Even I this morning say to God , “I don’t feel that capable,” and I don’t serve as much as in younger years. But I still want to continue to serve, until the last day I live in this world. That is the reason, for the existence of the children of God. That is our purpose.
Come before Him and ask, “What is it you would have for me to do?” You might say or think, “I don’t know how to do this, or this,etc. Put in your name. But like Deborah, was a woman, when it is God calling “I can do anything. It doesn’t matter if others criticize me or I don’t know how to do a “certain thing, ...I will do what God says.” God this morning, may be calling you,..there is much to do in God’s vineyard! Thank you this morning. Being a communicator is not an easy thing,..but God can help us to do things that are difficult.
Brother Goble added this reference scripture pertaining to this text. Luke 14:18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. Today also too many have too many reasons not answer the call of God unconditionally, as the spirit of Dan and Asher spoken of here in Judges.
There is hope to work for God in spite of discouragement. Get out of the “ship” and back to the battlefield. There is still hope, not just aboard the work of busyness, but having first the desire and attitude to sacrifice and help. Only difference between can’t and can is an apostrophe and a.. t. Take it away,..and you can allow God to use you!
