PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Judges 7-8
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“When I return in triumph, I will tear down this tower.” (Judges 8:9)
These stories are inspired and recorded to make a point.
God hates evil, and works to overcome evil with goodness.
Gideon represents goodness, and the Midianites represent evil.
But the lines of good and evil run through all of them.
Gideon is used by God to overcome evil, but he is not innocent.
God uses weak, flawed humans, for that is all there is to work with.
Jesus is like Gideon in that he also triumphs over evil.
But he does not use violence or seek revenge like Gideon did.
Jesus is greater than all the human leaders before and after him.
Only Jesus is truly God-like; not Gideon, David, Peter or Paul.
Not everything they say and do reflects the will of God in Jesus.
They point us towards Jesus, but they are not sinless or pure.
We need to filter what we read through Jesus, to discern the Jesus Way.
We fix our eyes on Jesus; he shows us how to triumph over evil!
PRAYER
Lord, I am like Gideon, David, Peter and Paul, a flawed servant. Help me to be more like you, and less like Gideon, and to triumph over evil your way!
“or Israel would boast against me, ‘My own strength has saved me.’”
A Midianite soldier: “God has given the Midianites and the whole camp into his hands.”
Even though Gideon has humble beginnings but his power and success also contaminates him – he becomes revengeful and he even creates an Ephod which becomes a piece of worship. Yes, Gideon was used by God but he too was a sinner who made serious mistakes. Lord help me to not be contaminated by the ways of this world – the materialism, the good life? Lord help me to see that the kingdom way requires continued devotion to your way Lord Jesus! For sure not my strength – rather when I bow down and admit I am weak – your strength lifts me. Let it not go to my head!
We see that it was the Lord God Who gave Gideon the victory. When He died the people worshipped false gods once again. They did not remember all what the Lord God had done for them. I need ‘memory stones’, just like the children of Israel had after they crossed the waters. Visual reminders to remind me of what the Lord God has done in my life. His faithfulness. Stories I need to pass to the next generation so that they too will be faithful to the Lord and live for Jesus and not their selfish interests. I too need a leader to guide me along the Way and Christ Jesus can only do that. None other.
1 I am weak, and I need Thy strength and power
To help me over my weakest hour;
Let me through the darkness Thy face to see,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
Refrain:
Lead me, guide me along the way;
For if You lead me, I cannot stray;
Lord, let me walk each day with Thee.
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
2 Help me tread in the paths of righteousness;
Be my aid when Satan and sin oppress.
I am putting all my trust in Thee,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me. [Refrain]
3 I am lost, if you take your hand from me;
I am blind, without Thy Light to see;
Lord, just always let me Thy servant be,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me. [Refrain]