Margaret Felten is one amazing mom. When I was a child, she offered hugs and kisses when I skinned a knee or was feeling sad and confused. Later, she showed me what sacrifice and godly wisdom is all about—modeling a Christlike path for me to follow. In my adult years, she stood with my wife, Lynn, and me, praying for us as we faced life’s battles. When I fought a life-threatening illness she refused to miss a single treatment—sitting with Lynn and me in the hospital room, lighting it up with her tender smile and loving ways. Now, in her golden years, Mom continues to radiate a love for God and others.

Mom, in many ways, reminds me of Deborah.

The fourth of Israel’s judges, Deborah is remembered as a “mother for Israel” (Judges 5:7). That description is taken from lyrics she and Barak—a military commander for the Israelites—sang following a victory over the Canaanites (Judges 4:1-24). A unique and righteous leader during the tumultuous time of the Judges, Deborah was a judge who wisely helped God’s people settle disputes, a prophet who spoke for God, and a conquering leader who went into battle for her people (Judges 4:4-6,9). The words of the song she most likely penned point to her love for God and the celebration of His sovereignty: “Praise the LORD!” (Judges 5:2). “Recount the righteous victories of the LORD” (Judges 5:11).

Both my mom and Deborah are examples of godly and yet imperfect people. But Jesus is our Perfect Prophet who spoke the very words of God, the Righteous Judge who will one day rule the nations, and the Conquering King who defeated sin and death by sacrificing Himself for us. What a matchless Savior and Lord! May we reflect His amazing ways today.

NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 20:20-40