Posted on May 2, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte in Freedom Fighters
Gideon knew about God. He knew about God’s miracles, he knew God had delivered Israel from the power of Egypt, and he knew God had brought them to the land He had promised them. Gideon even knew what offerings were appropriate to honor God, but what he didn’t understand was why it appeared that God had abandoned them..?
The answer to his question lies in the people’s response to what they knew about God. When God delivered Israel from their struggle with Egypt and brought them to His promised land, He warned them, “I rescued you from the Egyptians and from all who oppressed you. I drove out your enemies and gave you their land. I told you, ‘I am the Lord your God. You must not worship the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you now live.’ But you have not obeyed me” (Judges 6:9-10).
The people knew what they should do; they just didn’t do it. Obedience to the Word of God is the key to enjoying the blessing of His provision and promises. God is holiness, that is absolute perfection and to choose anything other than His Word is to reject and walk away from all He promises. God didn’t abandon them; His people abandoned their God and Deliverer.
Gideon indeed asked a lot of questions, but that is okay, having grown up in such a dark time there was a lot that Gideon needed to experience about God. And God is very patient and understanding of our struggles to know Him.
When Gideon points out that his family is the least of the tribes and he is the weakest of his family, God responds, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man.” (Judges 6:16) God never looks to use those who think they’re strong and powerful because, in pride, they always leave God out of the victory. Instead, God chooses things the world considers foolish to shame those who think they are wise. And He chooses those who are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world; things counted as nothing at all, and use them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God” (1 Cor 1:27-29). Sort of like God using a baby in a manger as a Savior and a cross on a hill as our way of salvation.
Gideon was ‘one man’ who made a difference because He was obedient to God’s Word. He knew about God, but he didn’t stop there. He believed what he knew and understood as He listened to God’s Word and promises. Obedience is the key to knowing God and enjoying His blessing… no matter the circumstances.
Just as Gideon’s life was marked by obedience, so much more was the life of Jesus, who, “Though He was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a servant of God and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross” (Phil 2:6-8). He did this, so all those who leave God out of their lives could know the way back home to Him.
Gideon’s obedience to God saved his people from the Midianites. Jesus’ obedience saved the whole world from the power of death and its consequences. As one person, you can make a difference too by knowing God through His Word and being obedient to what He shows you. You will be amazed at how God is with you when you do! The choice is yours…
Choose wisely…
“Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.” (1 John 5:3-5)
Praying 4 U
Written by David Brown: David Brown is a husband, father, grandfather, Pastor with a Masters of Religious Studies and a Professor of Philosophy and Comparative Religions. Dave is the Associate Pastor of Pemberton’s First Baptist Church. He is the author of two devotional books, “From a Chair by the Window.” And “#PrayerWinsThe Day”.
Think About This: “Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion – it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ.” – Billy Graham
The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 102-104, 2 Samuel 5. You can download our 2023 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. 12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. 13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.” 2 Timothy 2:11-13
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
