Jael: A Gutsy Lady

Today I am linking up today with It Just Takes One  for her Chasing History series.  We’re learning about the women of the Bible and how their stories can impact OUR stories.

Usually I get queasy at the sight of blood - but somehow I am the designated tooth puller in our house. When there is a super wiggly tooth in the mouth of one of my kiddos, I pull out the Orajel ,a wet washcloth, and do what has to be done. It's not my favorite motherhood task, but, I'm willing to do it to care for my children and that overrides any feelings of nausea that might arise.

On a much greater scale of gruesome, a woman named Jael does what needs to be done for the children of God, the nation of Israel in Judges 4.

But Sisera fled away on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite. And Jael came out to meet Sisera and said to him, “Turn aside, my lord; turn aside to me; do not be afraid.” So he turned aside to her into the tent, and she covered him with a rug. And he said to her, “Please give me a little water to drink, for I am thirsty.” So she opened a skin of milk and gave him a drink and covered him. And he said to her, “Stand at the opening of the tent, and if any man comes and asks you, ‘Is anyone here?’ say, ‘No.’” But Jael the wife of Heber took a tent peg, and took a hammer in her hand. Then she went softly to him and drove the peg into his temple until it went down into the ground while he was lying fast asleep from weariness. So he died. And behold, as Barak was pursuing Sisera, Jael went out to meet him and said to him, “Come, and I will show you the man whom you are seeking.” So he went in to her tent, and there lay Sisera dead, with the tent peg in his temple.   Judges 4:17-22 (ESV)

Jabin, king of Cannaan, was trusting the defeat Israel to the hands of the commander of his army, Sisera. Sisera was confident and well prepared with a great number of soldiers and chariots. However, Deborah, Barak and their 10,000 men annihilated Sisera's army, every last one of them (Judges 4:16) and now Sisera is running for his life. Jael offers refuge and a drink of milk, then slays the enemy with a stake through his head, pinning him to the ground.

This is one gutsy lady! Her bold move put an end to the war between Israel and Cannaan and has taught me a few things about living life:

• Sometimes obeying God means I have to do the dirty work - for me that means pulling teeth, cleaning up spills and messes, telling a friend a hard truth, or helping someone who's not very nice.
• No complaining, whining or pouting, she just did what had to be done!
• You don't have to have a big title to be used by God in a big way.

 Father - please help me to be obedient to your Word - even when it's hard, or messy. Give me boldness, peace and contentment in bringing honor to You.