When the Roads Are Safe Again.
Judges 5:10-11 Speak, you who ride on white donkeys, Who sit in judges’ attire, And who walk along the road. Far from the noise of the archers, among the watering places, There they shall recount the righteous acts of the Lord, The righteous acts for His villagers in Israel; Then the people of the Lord shall go down to the gates.”
Living in Malaysia, we enjoy eating out with family and friends, searching for the best nasi lemak and other foods at affordable prices. Our markets, hawker centres, shopping malls, and roads are always busy. These are signs of the freedom and peace we enjoy in our country. People from all walks of life can enjoy these blessings in safety and freedom. In Judges 5:10, Deborah takes us back to a time when fear ruled the roads. There was a time when the roads were not safe. When the roads are not safe, businesses suffer, leaders struggle, and ordinary people lose the freedom to live their daily lives. Deborah calls all of them to remember and declare what God has done.
The first group is those who ride on white donkeys. White donkeys were uncommon in ancient times and were often used by royalty and important people. They represent wealthy people, business owners, and those with influence and privilege. During the time of oppression, even these people could not freely travel on the main roads or fully enjoy their businesses and status. But after God’s deliverance, they could travel safely, conduct business freely, hire workers again, and enjoy the blessings God had given them.
The second group is those who sit in judges’ attire. These are people in positions of leadership and responsibility. Today, they may be government officials, lawyers, community leaders, principals, teachers, pastors, and others who make decisions that affect society.
During the oppression, justice could not function properly. Leaders could not fully carry out their responsibilities. Fear influenced decisions, and people struggled to exercise their authority. But after God’s deliverance, justice was restored, and society could function normally.
The third group is those who walk along the road. These are ordinary people. They are farmers, labourers, traders, housewives, students, children, and everyday citizens. I can relate most to this group. We enjoy simple things in life, such as having a cup of hot tea or shopping with friends. During the oppression, even these simple activities became difficult because the roads were unsafe and people lived in fear. But after God’s deliverance, the roads became safe again. People could travel, work, trade, and live their daily lives without fear.
The message is simple. Whether we are wealthy, influential leaders, or ordinary people, we all benefit from God’s blessings. We enjoy peace, freedom, security, and the ability to live our daily lives because of His goodness. Like the people in Deborah’s song, we should not take this freedom for granted. Instead, we should remember the righteous acts of the Lord and openly give thanks for all that He has done for us.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
(Contributed by Sis. Victoria Thomas)
Read The Bible In One Year
Morning Acts 16:22-40
Evening Job 41-42