Without prophecy – Preaching
Preaching Outline on Judges 4:8 – “And Barak said unto him, If thou wilt go with me, I will go: but if thou wilt not go, I will not go.”
Introduction to Judges 4:8
After Joshua’s death, the people of Israel turned away from the Lord’s ways and went back to doing what was evil in his eyes. As a result, they were subjugated by Jabin, king of Canaan, and suffered under the rule of the commander of his army, Sisera. In this context of oppression, the people cried out to the Lord, and He heard their cry, raising up Deborah, a prophetess and judge, to lead Israel.
Deborah conveyed the Lord’s promise to Barak: God would deliver Sisera and his army into Israel’s hands. However, Barak, recognizing his need for spiritual direction, said to Deborah: “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go, I won’t go.”
This episode highlights the importance of living guided by divine revelation, because as it says in Proverbs 29:18: “Where there is no prophecy, the people corrupt themselves.”
Development
The meaning of “If you go with me, I’ll go”
Barak recognized in Deborah the representation of God’s voice to the people. He knew that Deborah’s presence meant divine guidance and a guarantee of victory. So he didn’t want to rely on his own strength or wisdom; he wanted to walk under God’s guidance.
This teaches us that, in the midst of life’s battles, we must seek God’s voice before making important decisions. Whether in situations of struggle, trial or uncertainty, we need to lean on the Word and divine revelation, so as not to be led by fear or our own will.
Without prophecy the people become corrupted
The Word of God states that where there is no prophecy, the people lose their way, live without direction and give themselves over to corruption. Just as Israel at that time needed the leadership of someone connected to God, we too, today, need to live under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the Word.
We often face tough battles, be they family, financial or spiritual. The pressures of everyday life can make us lose focus and even doubt the Lord’s promises. However, when we place ourselves in God’s presence, we hear His promises and see His faithfulness:
- Salvation in our homes.
- Open doors in times of need.
- Healing and deliverance.
- Answers in times of distress.
Just as Deborah was God’s voice to Barak and the people of Israel, today we have the means of grace that connect us to the Lord: prayer, meditation on the Word and communion with the church.
The danger of “If you don’t go, I won’t go”
Barak’s statement reveals his dependence on God to act. He knew that without the Lord’s presence, it would be impossible to achieve victory. This challenges us to reflect: how often do we act without seeking God’s direction?
Making decisions outside of the Lord’s will can lead to failure and frustration. We must learn to seek divine guidance in everything:
- Before financial decisions.
- When choosing a job or career.
- In family matters and relationships.
When we seek the Lord, he gives us clarity, wisdom and courage to move forward. Just as Barak only went into battle with the assurance of God’s presence, we too must be dependent on the Lord in every area of our lives.
Conclusion of Judges 4:8
Deborah represents the means God uses to guide and strengthen us. Today, these means are accessible to all of us:
- The cry for the blood of Jesus, which purifies us and gives us access to the presence of God.
- Consulting the Word, which guides us and reveals the Lord’s will.
- Communion with our brothers and sisters, which builds us up and strengthens us in times of weakness.
Without God’s guidance, we are liable to become corrupted and lost. But when we live in communion with Him, listening to His voice and following His guidance, we can face any battle with the certainty of victory.
May we say like Barak: “If you will go with me, I will go.” May the Lord’s presence be our greatest pursuit and our security in all things.
Amen.
Preaching Outline on Judges 4:8 – “And Barak said unto him, If thou wilt go with me, I will go: but if thou wilt not go, I will not go.”
More Preaching Outlines
- Judges 4:8 – Without Prophecy the people become corrupted
- Deborah – Judges 4:14
- Mark 5:36 – The “Only” we need to understand
