Awake, Awake Barak!

Awake, Awake Barak!

By Pastor Gary Wayne

Text: Judges 5:12, Judges 4:4-9, 13-16

Think about life during Barak’s time.

Jg 2:10 “When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the LORD nor the work which He had done for Israel.”

A theme verse for Judges could be: 17:6 “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

Every time a leader would die, people would revert to living how ever it was convenient to live. Kind of reminds me of this generation.

What causes people – men – to be passive in leading like this?
I imagine everyone thinks someone else will step up and set the standards for living. Including Barak. This is normal for humans. That’s why in 1st aid training you don’t say: Someone “call 911.” Everyone thinks some else will do it.
The whole time we can actually make a difference, yet many will stand still and watch people die.

Who am I that I should step up? I’m outside of my expertise or experience.
I don’t know what I’m doing. Someone else will do it, right?

Edmund Burke – The only thing necessary for the Triumph of Evil is for good men to do Nothing.

But when Barak received the word of God and he was moved to action.

Pick your favorite sport – how critical is the 4th quarter?
Some feel it’s the most significant time where the game is decided.

I feel this morning I want to especially address men in the 4th quarter of life.
For many in a blink they go from being immersed in the game to being in the 4th quarter of life.

Many feel this is the time to throttle down to super slow speed.

Men get so much of their identity from their occupation, or what they can do.
Then all of a sudden they find themselves retired from their career, and now doing what?

Our world seems to value the new and shiny and now that man finds himself not good at much of anything he took pride in, and if he still is good, no one seems to want what he has to offer - what does that do to his thinking about how important the 4th quarter is?

Then the enemy – the accuser of the brethren does what to men?

In our society, maturity and understanding doesn’t hold the value it once did.
The world has REALLY shaped our perspective.

I think all this stacks up and I allowing that thinking to alter my understanding for my value in ministry GOD PLACES on me. - This needs to be talked about!

In the kingdom of God, the best of life isn’t in the rear-view-mirror.

Ps 90:12 “So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

What is God saying in the season you are in?
Not your evaluation based on life-past.
NOT our society that require bling to count success.
What is on God’s heart for you today?

How you do life right now in the 4th quarter has EXTREME value.
Could it be that the most significant part of your life is right now and the enemy wants you to think differently?
Why would the enemy do that?

You have heard people say something like: On my death bed I’m not going to say, “I wish I had spent more time at work.”

Put a “Kingdom of God” frame work on the value of your life.
For those in the 4th quarter, what is God saying is significant for you now?
What is He asking of you?

Ps.101:2 “I’m trying my best to walk in the way of integrity, especially in my own home. But I need Your help! I’m wondering, Lord, when will you appear?”

I want to pray a fresh anointing on you as a man.
I especially feel to pray for anyone who feels frustrated, hopeless, inadequate, unable to be a Godly voice and influence.

Have you blown it? Is your track record sketchy?
Then start right now by doing the next right thing.