Judges 5:24-27 – God uses ordinary vessel

In Judges 5:24-27, we see Jael being complimented. She was acknowledged and praised for the part she played in the victory that Deborah and Barak had secured for Israel. This wife of Heber had shown great courage in the most crucial time. The people of Meroz were closer in terms of kinship to the Israelites than Jael. Yet they did not lift a finger to help. Whereas Jael, though further in terms of kinship, availed herself to God’s people to help in securing the victory. Hence, she stood in stark contrast to the curse pronounced on Meroz. She is the most blessed of women. Jael was not only courageous but was also resourceful. When Sisera asked for water she gave him milk instead, which hastened his ability to fall asleep. With wisdom and all the strength she had, she took a peg and drove it into the sleeping commander without considering her own safety. And between her knelt knees laid helplessly dead was the once-great tyrant, who terrorized the people of God

Here we see Jael’s courage, resourcefulness and strength celebrated. She was an ordinary woman who was receptive to what God was doing. She took the initiative and wisdom and acted to alleviate God’s people from their plight. In these few verses, we see how an ordinary person can avail herself to the plan of God. Many of us do not have the extra-ordinary skill, and so may think that we cannot contribute to the work of the Kingdom. This is flawed thinking. God uses ordinary people for His extra-ordinary work. We can all be candidates for greatness in God's Kingdom by availing ourselves to what He is doing in and through the church today. So, the question to ask is not, “Will God use me for what He is doing in the church today?” It should be how and where can I give myself to what God is doing today. Let’s avail ourselves to the advancement of His Kingdom!