by Prisca | 6 November 2024 08:46 pm11
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Welcome to this special reflection, crafted especially for women of faith who desire to grow in knowledge, character, and effectiveness in ministry. If you’re hungry for more spiritually nourishing teachings, feel free to explore more here
Today’s lesson is drawn from one of the most powerful and unique stories in Scripture the story of Jael, found in Judges 4. It teaches us that spiritual victory doesn’t always come through strength or position, but often through faith, courage, and wisdom qualities that often flourish in quiet, unexpected places.
In Judges 4, Israel had been suffering under the oppressive rule of King Jabin of Canaan and his ruthless military commander Sisera for twenty years. Scripture says:
“And the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help, for he had 900 chariots of iron and he oppressed the people of Israel cruelly for twenty years.”
Judges 4:3, ESV
In response to their cries, God raised up Deborah, a prophetess and judge over Israel, and Barak, a military leader, to lead the charge against the enemy. But Barak was reluctant to go into battle without Deborah:
“Barak said to her, ‘If you will go with me, I will go, but if you will not go with me, I will not go.’”Judges 4:8, ESV
Deborah agreed, but she gave him a sobering prophecy:
“Certainly I will go with you… but because of the course you are taking, the honor will not be yours, for the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman.”
Judges 4:9, NIV
This prophecy introduces us to one of Scripture’s most striking women: Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite.
As the battle unfolded, the Lord routed Sisera and his army before Barak. Sisera fled on foot and came to the tent of Jael, whom he believed to be an ally.
“But Sisera fled away on foot to the tent of Jael… for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite.”
Judges 4:17, ESV
Jael welcomed him with extraordinary hospitality, saying:
“Turn aside, my lord; turn aside to me; do not be afraid.”
Judges 4:18, ESV
He asked for water, but she gave him milk instead likely warm and comforting.
“He said, ‘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.”
Judges 4:19, ESV
This small but significant act of nurturing hospitality made Sisera feel safe. He relaxed and fell into a deep sleep completely unaware that he had walked into divine judgment.
Then came the most dramatic twist:
“But Jael… took a tent peg and took a hammer in her hand. Then she went softly to him and drove the peg into his temple… and he died.”
Judges 4:21, ESV
By this act, Jael an unarmed, non combatant woman became the instrument God used to bring justice upon the oppressor.
Jael was not a soldier, a prophet, or a leader. She was a tent-dwelling woman, far from the battlefield. Yet God used her mightily. This reminds us of 1 Corinthians 1:27:
“But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.”
1 Corinthians 1:27, ESV
Her milk and kindness disarmed Sisera not violently, but emotionally and psychologically. In the New Testament, hospitality is lifted up as a form of spiritual service:
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
Hebrews 13:2, ESV
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
1 Peter 4:8–9, NIV
The milk Jael offered is symbolic of the Word of God, especially the pure, foundational teachings of the gospel that nourish and strengthen the soul.
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.”
1 Peter 2:2, NIV
“I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it.”
1 Corinthians 3:2, NIV
As Christian women, we are called to nurture others through the Word offering comfort, encouragement, and truth that leads to transformation.
You may not preach from a pulpit, but your quiet acts of faith, kindness, and hospitality have the power to defeat spiritual enemies and change lives.
Even 1 Peter 3:1–5 affirms this:
“Wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives…”
1 Peter 3:1, ESV
“Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
1 Peter 3:4, NIV
In a time when the enemy is on the move, God is still raising women like Jael quiet but fierce, calm but strategic, nurturing but powerful. These women are reshaping families, communities, and even nations not with loudness, but with love, truth, and spiritual milk.
You don’t need a sword to win souls. You need hospitality, the Word of God, and the heart of a servant.
So, daughter of God, wherever He has placed you in your home, business, workplace, or church be a woman of influence, full of hospitality and armed with the Word. Just like Jael, you can be used by God to bring victory, healing, and transformation.
May the Lord bless you and empower you for every good work.
Amen.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2024/11/06/learn-from-the-heroine-jael-the-power-of-hospitality-and-milk/
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