Pastor's Column 11/8/2026

PASTOR’S COLUMN 

⁸  “God chose new leaders when war came to the city gates, but not a shield or spear was seen among forty thousand in Israel.”         Judges 5:8, NLT

“The Victory is the Lord’s!”

The Scriptures often serve as a backdrop to some of the challenges we face in life. Embedded in the narratives we read of ancient times, is a compelling message that commends itself to our lived situations. What may have occurred in 1200 B. C. is a real event that engaged the lives, fears, and aspirations of people. But we learn the meaning of the events we read about and observe, always have a moral tone. What we look for in the Scriptures is to see how God is involved in the lives of people; and we listen intently within our spirits to hear the voice of God speaking truth to us. This is why the psalmist said, “Your word O God, is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”  This is an admission that we need guidance in our human affairs, just as much as we need the assurance that no shadows can overtake us.  There are many wars described in the Scriptures. They are not merely battles  about conquest or domination; but underlying  these  theatres of conflict is a moral imperative. There is an effort to correct wrong; to create fairness and justice. Any forms of mistreatment, denial, and injustice creates the need to know what is just and right before God and each other. Deborah a judge of her people and a prophetess, directed Barak the commander of her army, to assist her in war. She told him a woman would help. bring victory to the people. The woman, Jael, took the life of the enemy, Sisera who was fleeing from Barak. The enemy was defeated and victory was brought to Israel. In the Song that bears her name, Deborah recounts victory was won without sword or spear. Some battles are not won on political grounds or because of military might. The Lord allows the best battles to be won as a moral imperative that He demands a just society, where all people are treated with respect and dignity. In America the other day, new leaders were chosen without sword or spear. Votes simply prevailed!