“…But may they who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength.” Then the land had peace forty years. (Judges 5:31).”
That’s the “happily ever after” ending of our message this week from Judges 4-5. But don’t let that little happy ending fool you. It was a hard-fought peace. I always want to entice you to come to church, so I don’t want to give too much away. Suffice it to say, there’s a little bit of everything in this week’s sermon: war, violence, sexism…and murder! It’s a real Game of Thrones cliff-hanger.
What’s different about the “Judge” this week is that he/she is not singular, but plural. Deborah and Barak were both anointed by God and they work together to fulfill his purpose. God even uses a foreign woman named Jael in the plot twists. That’s why I’m calling this message “God’s Team.”
It was President Truman who said “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.” When you and I work together, serving each other, God gets the credit. And, like 5:31 reminds us, we get stronger and experience God’s peace.
Aren’t we seeing that with VBS? If I asked you to reach 150 kids with the love of Jesus, you might do it, but it would take you the next three years. TOGETHER we knocked it out in one week. And it is awesome.
Let me give another team scenario. I (and Paul Juarez) have been asked by City Councilman Jesse Davis to sit on a panel to discuss Denton LGBTQ anti-discrimination policies. The room will be filled with people who don’t like what the Bible or we have to say. We’ll be up front, but we need you! Would you pray for us…and pray about attending yourself? Ask the Lord that his love and heart come through…and that people will be open to reason. Thank you! You can find out more on our church FB site, but it is at 3 p.m. July 20 at the City Council Chambers at 215 E. McKinney St.
See you Sunday!
Pastor Jim
