Judges 6 / Luke 22:54-23:12 / Psalms 95-96 / Proverbs 14:5-6
Let’s go around the mountain one more time. Yet another judge of Israel has passed, and yet again the people are back to worshipping the same gods. Only this time it’s much worse than it has been because the Midianites are taking everything – all their livestock and all their crops – and leaving them with absolutely nothing to eat. I wonder if they remember the stories of God’s provision in the desert.
Not everyone enjoys the Old Testament stories, but I’m sure you can tell by now that I do! They are sometimes hard to read, but they are also fascinating. We’ve watched over and over how God’s people were unfaithful, causing God’s punishment to fall. Then God in His mercy comes to the rescue. God always wants to show kindness and mercy to His people. He loves us in our mess!
In the past God chose leaders who were mighty and unafraid, but in this story He has chosen a man who lacks confidence. As a matter of fact, Gideon has a habit of hiding, making him seem quite timid. He hides to thresh wheat in the winepress. He hides at night when God tells him to tear down the altars to false gods. One must wonder what God can do with this meek man.
The rest of the story has not been told – even though I’ve read it and know what happens – but the reader is probably thinking God should have chosen someone else! However, one thing I’ve learned about God is that He tends to choose those who are not important in their own estimation. I believe He does that so the weak warrior will make sure all the glory goes to God.
1 Corinthians 1:26-28 NLT Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.
If you feel that you’re a weak warrior, you’re a prime candidate to be used of God to do mighty miracles! Go ahead and maintain your weakness in the flesh so God can pour out His Spirit on you, using you to do huge things. This guarantees He will get the glory as deserved.
