GOD, GRASSHOPPERS AND A BARLEY CAKE
Judges 7:8-14
INTRODUCTION: Many times circumstances seem overwhelming like grasshoppers, while at the same time we feel as helpless as a muffin (barley cake). It is reassuring to know that man’s strength and man’s host mean nothing to God. God is your refuge and deliverer just as He was for Gideon.
I. GOD
1. Though far outnumbered by the Midianites, with God on the side of Gideon, he could rise above the overwhelming circumstances. The host of Midian was BENEATH the child of God (v.8).
2. The enemy’s strength means nothing to God, however, our weakness does.
1 Cor. 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 2 Cor. 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
3. God gave Gideon authority over the enemy’s host (v.8,9).
4. God spoke to Gideon at “night”, the time of greatest fear and darkness (v.8).
5. God told him that if he was afraid to take his servant (v.10). Deut. 32:30 How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them (SOLD THEM INTO SLAVERY), and the LORD had shut them up?
6. Upon realizing who we are in Christ and that the battle is the Lord’s our hands (faith) are strengthened to go to the enemy’s camp (v.11).
II. GRASSHOPPERS
1. What did Gideon face? An overwhelming situation (v.12):
a. Midianites
b. Amalekites
c. ALL the children of the east
d. GRASSHOPPERS for multitude
e. Camels were without number as the sand by the sea for multitude.
2. Got any rivers you think are uncrossable? Got any mountains you can’t tunnel through? God specializes in things thought impossible and He can do what ho other power can do.
3. God will do the SUPERNATURAL!
III. A BARLEY CAKE
1. Gideon was told of a dream a man had (v.13).
a. He saw a cake of barley (barley was an inferior grain ½ the value of wheat).
b. Again Gideon is reminded of his weakness (poorest of the poor—weakest of the weak 6:15).
c. It tumbled into the host of Midian.
d. Came to a tent and knocked it over.
2. The interpretation reminds Gideon that NOTHING is much in the hand of God. ILLUSTRATE: Moses’ rod (Exodus 4:1-4)
3. Into Gideon’s hand God delivered Midian and ALL the host. COMPLETE VICTORY!!!!!
CONCLUSION: Philip. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philip. 4:13 NIV I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
