In the Scriptures, God instructs us to equip ourselves to overcome daily struggles. Biblical teachings are infallible for those who observe them. Therefore, pastors who are in a position to minister in church will be successful if they are steadfast on being obedient to the Lord and His Word, having received the message to deliver to the congregation in their weekly meeting with God and His sheep. Now, without preparation, it is difficult to feed the flock.

In Exodus 2:11-22, we read that Moses got into trouble after killing an Egyptian with a single blow to defend a Hebrew. He fled to Midian, the region of the Kenites, and when he arrived at a well, he saw seven sisters, who were tending their father's cattle, being confronted by local shepherds. So, Moses stood up, defended them, and gave water to the animals (v. 17). They told their father about Moses' deed, and he lived with Jethro, took care of his flock, and married Zipporah, the priest's daughter. Moses was an educated man, prepared to face and overcome life's battles.

In Judges 4:11, Heber is mentioned, whose wife, Jael, killed Sisera, the enemy of Israel (vv. 17-21). He had separated himself from the Kenites of the tribe of Hobab, also known as Jethro (Exodus 18:2) and Reuel (Exodus 2:18). Hobab means beloved; Jethro, excellence; and Reuel, friend of God. Each of these names alludes to his performance in the priestly role; therefore, we believe that he was successful in his ministry.

We do not know the reason for Heber's departure, only that he left his place of origin, the tribe of Jethro, and pitched his tents at the oak of Zaanannim, a place on the southern border of Naphtali, near the valley of Megiddo, where scholars point out that the third world war will take place. This is the valley of Jehoshaphat, where the confederation of nations destroyed each other (2 Chronicles 20:1-30).

It was strange that Heber became friends with Jabin (Judges 4:17), an evil man who did everything he could to wipe Israel off the face of the earth. Behind this desire for destruction was the same demon who always tried to annihilate the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. However, the devil never succeeded in fulfilling his desire to kill the descendants of these blessed patriarchs from whom the Savior, Christ Jesus, the Lord, would come!

Heber's wife was blessed to be a heroine in the struggle to preserve the Israelite nation. Heber was at peace with Jabin, so Sisera, the captain of the army of the king of Canaan, thought he would be safe hiding within the tribe of the Kenites. However, Jael put an end to the Canaanite commander, thus fulfilling Deborah's prophecy (Judges 4:9). Jael must have been an honest woman about whom everyone could say good things. She was ready for the opportunity to serve the Lord by defeating the enemy of God's people. Know your mission!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares.