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JUDGES 4:4-5:31

     In this reading, we read about Devorah and Jael, two women of God who played an important role in Israel's history.  We read about many "men of God" but very few "women of God" but they are out there, and today, we have many women who are used mightily by God in ministry.  Through Deborah and Jael, Sisera and his army were vanquished, just as Moshe was an example of a godly leader, Deborah was also a leader, and Jael, whose name in Hebrew "Yah-El" means "God's strength, was also instrumental in defeating Sisera. 

     The name "Ya-El" also means "Ibex" which is a mountain goat with long horns.  Yet the name is spelled with three Hebrew letters;  Yod, Ayin, and Lamed.   It is a combination of "the strength of the hand and arm with the insight of leadership"   So, with God's strength and insight, she developed the plan to put Sisera asleep so as to kill him, which showed intelligent leadership, so, she lived up to her name

    It is interesting that when Sisera came to Ya-El's tent and asked for some water, she gave him goat's milk instead.(Yael gave milk to Sisera from a Yael) play on words?   It was all in her plan to vanquish the enemy with a mortal headache.  Milk induces sleep because it has a property called "tryptophan."  Now, I am sure that Ya-El didn't know that name but through experience, she knew that milk relieves stress and calms the nerves.  So, when Sisera drank his fill, he fell asleep and never woke up (in this life) 

     If you are a woman and reading this Parashah, never say "because I am a woman, God cannot use me" Yes, he can, there are ministries for women, mostly, women ministering to other women, reaching out to those who have been abused in marriages, victims of rape, assault, homeless women, etc.  YOU my sister, have a place in ministry. Venture out and discover what it is, just be available. 

MATTHEW 26:1-75


     This chapter deals with Yeshua's final days with his talmidim on earth, His anointing by the generous woman who poured the "nard" perfume on him, the betrayal by "Y'hudah Ish Kariot" (Judas, the man from the region of Kariot) in every group of disciples, there are always a few who are "fakers" We have the final "Pesach" dinner with his disciples and Peter's denial,

     But there is a lot we can learn from this, Peter denied knowing Yeshua, out of fear, but Judas openly rejected him by identifying him by a kiss on the cheek.  Both sins are forgivable, the only difference is that Peter confessed and received forgiveness, while Judas felt remorse, but did not cry out for forgiveness, but went out and committed suicide.  There is sin that leads to remorse and a "feeling sorry for oneself" and the sin that leads to remorse, and from remorse to confession, and from confession to forgiveness, and from forgiveness to restored fellowship. 

How many readers out there have chosen the latter? We are all sinners and have fallen short of the glory of God, but the confession of sins, and receiving forgiveness is something only you can do, I cannot do it for you.  Yeshua receives ALL who come to him, no matter how bad or evil you have been, nor what you have done, no sin is beyond forgiveness.  Just ask, and turn from your sin, and forgiveness and restoration are yours.


Shabbat Shalom

Ben Avraham