Judges 6:1-32
Today's Passage: Judges 6:1-32
The story of Gideon is the first extended narrative that focuses on the Judges. His story starts in chapter 6 and goes all the way to chapter 8. It teaches us how God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary works.
Gideon is hiding from the enemy when the angel of the Lord speaks to him. We are not entirely sure if the angel is the Lord in human form or just an angel sent from the Lord. Either way, there is a lot of overlap throughout this chapter.
The Lord calls Gideon to save Israel from the Midianites. This is a massive request, and Gideon immediately questions, “How am I to save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” Looking at the odds, it didn’t look very good, but God wasn’t calling Gideon to save Israel because of his strength or might. He reminds Gideon, “I will be with you…” He will fight for His people and will do the saving. He is simply calling Gideon to place his faith in Him.
What was Gideon’s first task after this calling? It was the take down the idols in his home, and rebuild the altar of the Lord. To sacrifice and give worship to the Lord and forsake all other gods. This is step one for Gideon and it’s step one for us. Wherever we are in our walk with the Lord, we are called to cut down the idols in our hearts and worship the Lord. It is our first step of each day. Our hearts are too prone to make good things into god-sized things. We must fight the urge to worship the creation rather than the creator.
Have you questioned the Lord’s calling in your life because you thought YOU weren't strong enough?
What “good things” in your life run the risk of becoming “God-sized” things?
Written By: Joe Weaver
The story of Gideon is the first extended narrative that focuses on the Judges. His story starts in chapter 6 and goes all the way to chapter 8. It teaches us how God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary works.
Gideon is hiding from the enemy when the angel of the Lord speaks to him. We are not entirely sure if the angel is the Lord in human form or just an angel sent from the Lord. Either way, there is a lot of overlap throughout this chapter.
The Lord calls Gideon to save Israel from the Midianites. This is a massive request, and Gideon immediately questions, “How am I to save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” Looking at the odds, it didn’t look very good, but God wasn’t calling Gideon to save Israel because of his strength or might. He reminds Gideon, “I will be with you…” He will fight for His people and will do the saving. He is simply calling Gideon to place his faith in Him.
What was Gideon’s first task after this calling? It was the take down the idols in his home, and rebuild the altar of the Lord. To sacrifice and give worship to the Lord and forsake all other gods. This is step one for Gideon and it’s step one for us. Wherever we are in our walk with the Lord, we are called to cut down the idols in our hearts and worship the Lord. It is our first step of each day. Our hearts are too prone to make good things into god-sized things. We must fight the urge to worship the creation rather than the creator.
Have you questioned the Lord’s calling in your life because you thought YOU weren't strong enough?
What “good things” in your life run the risk of becoming “God-sized” things?
Written By: Joe Weaver
1 Comment
Good one, Joe! It is a great reminder, especially this week of prayer and fasting, to make sure that God is number one in our hearts.