Devotional
for the Week of 26 May 2008
The Call Of Gideon
Scripture Text: Judges 6:11-16 & Judges 7:4-14
Last Christmas was known as “The Black Christmas” in the coastal town of Orisa in India. Hindu fundamentalists attacked, looted and burnt 90 churches and many Christian homes. Christian women were sexually molested and Christian men were killed. Most of the Christians in Orisa were Dhalits, also known in India as the “untouchables”, the lowest caste in India. At such times, one wonders why God would allow such a tragedy to take place. This is similar to the situation at the time of Gideon. The Midianites were a nomadic tribe that used to intimidate the people of Gideon’s time. The Israelites called out to God for help and He heard them. Gideon was the person God sent to save the Israelites from the Midianites.
From the story of Gideon, we learn 3 things about the person God wants to use in missions.
1. God is not hesitant to use the most unlikely person to accomplish His purpose
When God approached Gideon, Gideon was hiding in the winepress. Gideon was hiding from the Midianites. This was not a picture of courage or strength. The selection of Gideon brings to mind William Cary, a cobbler. When William Cary wanted to go to India to spread the word of God, the Baptist church at that time told him that God could bring salvation to the Indians without him. William Cary went to India anyway. Despite several tragedies, in 40 years, William Cary translated the Bible into many Indian languages. When a fire burned up all of William Cary’s translations, William Cary painstakingly redid all the work. God called an ordinary cobbler to do extraordinary works for God’s kingdom (1 Corinthians 1:28).
2. There is no success without obedience
We will never lose when we obey God. It shows our dependence on Him. Jesus is the greatest example of obedience.
In Judges 6:26-28, we read that God asked Gideon to destroy his father’s altar. This was a huge task for Gideon, so huge that Gideon decided to do it at night. However, it is important to note that Gideon obeyed and unlike Elijah, did not attempt to flee after obeying God and cutting down his father’s altar. For his obedience, God kept Gideon safe from his father and the town.
3. God is patient in times of weakness to give strength (Judges 6:12)
The Israelites in Gideon’s time asked “if God is with us, where are all the wonders we were told about?” This was an honest question. Gideon too had many doubts and fears. God encouraged Gideon as we read of God telling Gideon “Am I not sending you?”. God also allowed Gideon, with a companion, to overhear the fear that God had struck in the hearts of the Midianites on the eve of the battle.
Honest doubts and questions do not bother God. God never calls for blind faith. Several times, God encouraged and reassured Gideon (see Judges 7). God was interested to help Gideon overcome his fear. The battle was already won. God had brought about confusion amongst the enemy and they ended up killing each other! It was not by might that Gideon had won the battle.
Conclusion
What has God given you? The Lord is the master of using ordinary people to do extraordinary things. God is looking for people who will trust Him even when the way ahead is not clear. He is looking for people who are dependant on Him and obedient to Him. Are you such a person?
Prayer Response
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your message of hope - that You can use an ordinary person like me to do great things for You. Please create in me an obedient heart and a willingness to depend on You and trust You as I seek to obey You. Amen.
Devotional based on a message by Reverend George Barathan