“Prayer From A Mighty Man Of Valour”
Judges 6:11-12
As we honor those who have served I was thinking of others in the Bible who served as well.
We have today Gideon who has lived under the rule of the Midianites for 7 years.
In verse 1 we see why this judgment came about. Vs. 1 “And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.”
We find that every time the people of Israel planted a crop the Midianites would come by and destroy it.
After 7 years the people of Israel called upon God for help and deliverance.
A question; “What took them so long?”
1. Perhaps they thought that over time the Midianites would grow tired and just leave?
2. Perhaps they wanted to have victory without God, and therefore could declare that they did it their way?
3. Most likely is that they were outnumbered and out weaponinized and felt complete despair!
Such are the same reactions when we are under attack and under siege.
We look around and we discover that we are helpless and so we, like the nation of Israel, just give up.
1. The Angel Of The Lord Vs. 11
Notice where he is and what He is doing.
He sat under an oak tree and was watching Gideon.
Vs. 12 The Angel spoke to Gideon.
I personally believe that the Angel saw in Gideon what Gideon did not see in himself. “mighty man of valour.”
Where was Gideon when this began?
He was hiding trying to separate chafe from the wheat behind the winepress.
2. Questions From Gideon Vs. 13
God never said we could not ask questions.
We see that God does not always answer the questions in a manner in which we expected.
3. Direction Given Vss. 14 & 16
Vs. 14 “…thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites:”
Vs. 16 “…Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.”
The Angel of the LORD gave direction which brought confidence to Gideon.
4. A Sacrifice Made. Vs. 18-22
I love that the Angel touched the flesh and the fire rose from the rock. You might call that the first mentioned cookout?
5. Orders Given Action Taken Vs. 25-27
I love the reaction from the unrepentant men;
Vs. 30-31 “Then the men of the city said unto Joash, Bring out thy son, that he may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the grove that was by it.
31 And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal? will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst it is yet morning: if he be a god, let him plead for himself, because one hath cast down his altar.”
6. God Called Few 7:2-7
32,000 Men and God said that is too many. Why?
Judges 7:2 “And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.”
10,000 Too many still.
300…. Just right! 7:4-6
I. Go And Listen To Your Enemy. Vs.9-15
Mighty Man Of Valor?
Yes because God said I want you to witness that those that are against God will know they are already defeated.
II. Gideon Worshiped Vs. 15
Returning back to his camp Gideon gave testimony that the Lord has already secured victory, which in turn strengthened the 300.
We draw strength, not only from the Lord but for each other.
III. Gideon Obeyed the Lord Vs. 16 -17 and said what you see me do, do also.
Leadership is never from the rear but always from the front.
IV. Victory Brings Confidence Vs. 20-23
Just as we are instructed to put on the armor of God and then to stand, so the men with Gideon were simply to stand.
Conclusion:
Lessons:
1. God does not look for talent, He looks for available servants.
2. God will show the path of victory yet it is our responsibility to obey the LORD!
3. The mass crowds are not always right.
God may decide to bring it to a level that we must trust HIM for all our victories.
4. The enemy is already defeated; all we need to do is follow the Lord.
This does not mean that there will not be days or troubles or that we will not grow tired.
Just like Gideon we need rest and to receive nourishment to accomplish God’s will.
The life of Gideon is a great lesson to listen to God and obey even when we cannot see the path to walk upon.
Do you know Jesus?
Are you willing to set aside fear and simply obey the LORD?
