When God is Silent

Re:Verse passage – Judges 2–8; 1 Samuel 3:1-11 (day two)

And word from the Lord was rare in those days, visions were infrequent. vs. 1b

I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining.
I believe in love, even though I don’t feel it.
I believe in God, even when he is silent. Anonymous

There are several periods in the Bible where God remains silent, or is perceived as being far away. Do you even feel like that? What are we to do in those times? It can be so difficult to maintain a trajectory when you feel like you are on your own. There is always a reason for the silence of God. It can be disconcerting, for sure, but our call must continue forward. It is also important during those times to remember that we have the Word of God to help shape the next steps. Don’t be discouraged if you haven’t “heard” from the Lord in a while. Trust your call, continue in prayer, don’t give up seeking after him. He is nearer than you realize.

Not Done Yet

Re:Verse passage – Judges 8:18-34 (day two)

Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, “Rule over us, both you and your son, also your son’s son, for you have delivered us from the hand of Midian.”23 But Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the Lord shall rule over you.” vs. 22-23

The Midianites were conquered. The tendency for Israel to want to elevate the instrument of Midian’s defeat makes sense. That’s where it gets complicated. Gideon was the instrument, yes, but he was not the reason for the victory. It was God who orchestrated all things to work for his good and glory. For Gideon’s part, he recognized this, but assumed his job was finished. There is so much to caution us in this story. If the Lord brings us to a place of victory we should rejoice and remember it was his hand of provision that made it possible. We should also not assume that once that victory has occurred that our assignment is done. As long as we have breath we should be seeking what our next task for the kingdom should be. May we never be complacent in the work.

Victory and Pursuit

Re:Verse passage – Judges 7:23-24, 8:1-9 (day two)

Then Gideon and the 300 men who were with him came to the Jordan and crossed over, weary yet pursuing. 8:4

There are several parts to this ongoing story of Gideon, but don’t miss this part: all the men survived the battle. In a battle every commander weighs the acceptable rate of loss. The unimaginable happened with Gideon and his men. From the very outset against the Midianites, God controlled the narrative. This was never Gideon’s battle. Continue reading in verse 4…they were weary, yet they kept pursuing. Think for a moment the assignment that God has placed upon your heart. Know this, if he has called you to it, he will see you through it. Know this also, it will cost you. Serving will require much from you physically, emotionally, and spiritually…but the outcome is secure. Don’t give up. Trust the one who called you. Now get back out there and pursue.

Trumpets for the Win

Re:Verse passage – Judges 7:12-22 (day two) His friend replied, “This is nothing less than the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel; God has given Midian and all the camp into his hand.” vs. 14

From 32,000 warriors to 300 trumpet players, God prevailed. From the show of Israel’s might, to a trusting leader and men willing to obey an outlandish military tactic, this victory had the hand of the Lord all over it. It didn’t start with the trumpets, however. The Lord had been at work in the hearts of the Midianites. Gideon’s greatest action was to move forward in obedience and allow the Lord to work. Just those marching around the walls of Jericho, God was before them. Do you struggle with trying to figure out how it will all work out? If it doesn’t seem possible, does that inhibit your ability to act in faith? God clearly demonstrated his ability to defeat overwhelming forces with seemingly inadequate resources. He still can.

Not How I Would Have Done It

Re:Verse passage – Judges 7:1-11 (day two)

The Lord said to Gideon, “The people who are with you are too many for Me to give Midian into their hands, for Israel would become boastful, saying, ‘My own power has delivered me.’ vs. 2

We don’t often get insight into what God is thinking when he commands or creates, but in this instance we have a glimpse into his perfect understanding of human nature. Think about it 300 men who lap water like a dog is generally not how you would advertise for a group about to overthrow your enemies. God also understands that we need nothing confusing our reading of the situation: we can do nothing apart from God. Has God surprised you lately? Has he done something that you would have done differently? Perfect, then you know that God is still in control. Trust him in all things.

Bargaining

Re:Verse passage – Judges 6:36-40 (day two)

Then Gideon said to God, “Do not let Your anger burn against me that I may speak once more…vs. 39a

To be clear, Gideon had been in conversation with the Lord for quite some time. It was evident that the Lord was dealing with Gideon’s uncertainty and fear. This was not the first exchange between them. It is easy to look at this story and think that we can bargain with God. “Lord, I know you have given me a task to fulfill, and if you give me ten million dollars I will know that you really mean it.” That kind of logic will fail every time. Take your assignments from the Lord seriously, and seriously be in dialogue with him at all times. You will never regret seeking God in all matters. That is where to begin discerning how God wants you to proceed, not giving outlandish parameters for your begrudging obedience.

Obedience Despite Fear

Re:Verse passage – Judges 6:22-35 (day two)

Then Gideon took ten men of his servants and did as the Lord had spoken to him; and because he was too afraid of his father’s household and the men of the city to do it by day, he did it by night. vs. 27

Have you noticed that fear plays quite a role in the story of Gideon. His fear manifests itself in several ways: he doesn’t feel qualified, he fears reprisal from the people, and in next week’s reading we see his doubts again as he puts the Lord to the test. Even so, God does not change Gideon’s assignment. Don’t you think the Lord knew who he was choosing to help deliver Israel? Don’t you think he knew that we was the least among the least, and that his qualifications were less than officer candidate material? Of course he did! It’s the same with you. One of the things I love best about this interchange between God and Gideon is that despite his anxiety, Gideon obeys. Despite his many shortcomings he is still chosen. Friend, don’t let your fear stop your obedience.

Unexpected

Re:Verse passage – Judges 6:1-16 (day two) 

Then the angel of the Lord came and sat under the oak…vs. 11a

If we can be sure of anything in regards to how the Lord communicates, it is to look for him in any situation. Our images of messengers from heaven are likely tied directly to the Christmas story, am I right? Hillsides blazing with light and a heavenly host filling the night sky. This is how to make a heavenly visitation! If we’re not careful we miss those subtle and intimate meetings that are meant just for us. Sometimes messengers come in the heat of the day Genesis 18 . Sometimes in the most incredible part of mankind’s story, they are just sitting on a stone waiting John 20

God is definitely found in those grand and glorious gestures and moments in the Bible, but he is also the God who created the leaf, the stream, the wispy cloud; sometimes he’s sent a message that is sitting under a tree waiting to have a conversation with you. Look up, look around, and find the Lord.

Credit

Re:Verse passage – Judges 4:4-23, 5:7, 24-27 (day two)  She said, “I will surely go with you; nevertheless, the honor shall not be yours on the journey that you are about to take, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hands of a woman.”  vs. 9

Credit where credit is due, right? We live in a world where it feels critical for us to be acknowledged. Who worked the hardest; who earned the most; who sacrificed more than any other; these are the things that occupy most of our days. We want to be given credit. Deborah had a longer vision than Barak did. Ultimately it wasn’t about who got credit, it was about the Lord delivering his people. Are we content with that? Can you be satisfied knowing that the Kingdom has advanced even if you don’t receive the accolades that come with victory? The ultimate question is where do we place our value; in man or in God.

A Good Formula

Re:Verse passage – Judges 3:31  and Acts 2:42-47 (day two) 

They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. vs. 42

What strikes me first about this passage is that the actions being described are taken by the new believers. This isn’t just an account of what the apostles were doing, but more what those with a new found purpose in Christ felt compelled to do. They immersed themselves in learning all they could about Jesus. The learned about his life, the stories he told, his incredible ministry, and the power of his resurrection. They spent time with other believers learning from one another, about one another. As an extension of that they also ate together. Is there a better formula for fellowship than food? More to the point, they honored the Lord by remembering his words at the Last Supper. And they prayed. Does this remind you of our church? Shouldn’t it? What can we do today to word for a better reflection of this early gathering?