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Re:Verse passage – Judges 7:12-22 (day three)

“This is nothing less than the sword of Gideon the son of Joash.”

Within the span of just a few moments, it all became spectacularly clear to Gideon: he was living rent-free in the heads of Midian’s fighting forces. They had already lost. For an army this spooked, it would only require a small push to tip them over into complete chaos. Gideon’s 300 was that small push. With this last-minute reconnaissance mission, God afforded Gideon a heaven’s-eye view of reality. From that point on, Gideon possessed the confidence to meet the task at hand. A very Gideon-inspired prayer is one which asks God, “What is the larger perspective in this situation?” That perspective won’t show you what’s easy, but it will show you what’s possible.

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.

Monday Re:Verse Blog – 8/2/2021

Re:Verse passage – Judges 7:12-22 (day one)

Join us as Senior Pastor Chris Johnson, Associate Pastor Aaron Hufty and Associate Pastor Bryan Richardson walk us through Judges 7:12-22 in our Summer Re:Verse Series: “JUDGES – God, Our Deliverer.”

Love > Fear

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

Now therefore come, proclaim in the hearing of the people, saying, ‘Whoever is afraid and trembling, let him return and depart from Mount Gilead.’” So 22,000 people returned, but 10,000 remained. – Judges 7:3

This was actually Law. Deuteronomy 20:8 ordered the officers to give permission for men to leave the battlefield if they were afraid “so that he might not make his brothers’ hearts melt like his heart.” Not only was God dwindling the army so that He may be glorified, but He was strengthening the mental health of this group. God knew that fear can become toxic. The spiritual enemy uses fear as a weapon to derail the plans that God puts on our heart. By making the group smaller, God purged the camp of toxicity so that the group that was left would trust Him and obey with confidence. 1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear.” 

Victory is Sure

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

By the numbers there simply is no way. We look at the odds, we realize the deck is stacked against us, and we wilt in the face of the enemy.

And the Lord says,

I am the Lord, who opened a way through the waters,
    making a dry path through the sea. Isaiah 43:16

As God whittled down Gideon’s number of warriors, God’s victory was never  in question. Deliverance was as certain as the rising sun. It didn’t matter the number of warriors, one or a million, God’s victory was sure. He is the way maker; he makes a dry path through the sea.

What did Jesus say?

I am the way…

Take heart, I have already overcome the world.

Christian, your victory is sure.

 

Need

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

“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.’”

Israel seems to be in a place (spiritually) where they have humbly surrendered to the Lord and His strength and power. After all, 32,000 of them were willing (albeit most with fear and trembling) to gather in the army to fight against a formidable enemy. God is keenly aware of the tendency of the human heart to rob Him of His glory- selfish, greedy, insecure. He will confront it and expose it. Otherwise, even the most spiritually mature and humble hearted of us, will fall into this trap.

Praise God, for His wisdom and patience with us all. We need Him more than we even know. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians‬ ‭2

Iron Sharpening Iron

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

It is important who we surround ourselves with.  Even heroes rarely act by themselves.  Having an iron-sharpening-iron friend is vital to the success of every believer.  For Gideon, the person closest to him was Purah, his servant.  The name Purah means ‘fruitful branch.’  Purah’s name likely reveals his character.  For Gideon, Purah’s presence was enough to overcome his fear of visiting the Midianite’s camp.  Gideon was a better, obedient servant of God when accompanied by Purah.

Who is in your life that spurs you to serve God better and encourages you to walk uprightly before Him?  Is there a Purah in your life that gives courage and commitment to you to be a better servant of God?  Are you that person to someone else?  If the answer is ‘no one’, ask God to bring someone into your life that sharpens your walk with Him!  God never intended for us to face life alone…a strand of three cords is stronger!

Small

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

“Let all the others go home.”

The Bible says, in various ways and repeatedly, “You have more resources than you think you do.” Elisha told his servant, “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” The Israelites in the desert learned that “the one who gathered little did not have too little.” A little money amounted to an extravagant gift. A shockingly low word count from a political prisoner signaled to Pilate that he was dealing with somebody who knew a different source of authority than he had ever encountered. These are some examples. There are many more. Gideon could discharge thousands of soldiers and yet grow stronger. The Bible is consistent: What you think is mighty hardly ever is, and what you think is weakness is stronger than you’ve realized.

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.

Monday Re:Verse Blog – 7/26/2021

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

Join us as Senior Pastor Chris Johnson, Associate Pastor Aaron Hufty and Associate Pastor Bryan Richardson walk us through Judges 7:1-11 in our Summer Re:Verse Series: “JUDGES – God, Our Deliverer.”