Purah: The Gift Of Encouragement

PURAH: THE GIFT OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Judges 7:10-11

INTRODUCTION

A. HUMOR

1. A lady walked by a pet store. A talking bird at an open window looked at her and squawked, “Hey Lady! You’re ugly!” She harrumphed & went on. Next day she passed by again and the bird said again, “Hey Lady! You’re ugly!” She got even madder.

2. It happened again the third day, so she stormed into the store and accosted the manager, “This is an outrage! This is harassment! You must stop this bird from insulting people!” The owner said, “Don’t worry Ma’am, I’ll take care of it right away!”

3. The next day the lady walked by again and the bird was silent. She felt vindicated. When she was almost out of range, the bird said, “Hey Lady!” She looked back and he said, “You Know!”

B. TEXT

Judges 6:12 When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior." 7:16 Dividing the 300 men into three companies, he placed trumpets and empty jars in the hands of all of them, with torches inside. 18 When I and all who are with me blow our trumpets, then from all around the camp blow yours and shout, 'For the LORD and for Gideon.'" 20 The three companies blew the trumpets and smashed the jars. Grasping the torches in their left hands and holding in their right hands the trumpets they were to blow, they shouted, "A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!" 21 While each man held his position around the camp, all the Midianites ran, crying out as they fled. 22....the LORD caused the men throughout the camp to turn on each other with their swords. The army [of the Midianites] fled... Judges 6:12; 7:16,18,20-22.

C. THESIS

1. This is the story of Gideon's great victory. But tonight I want to introduce you to a Bible character who was personally responsible for this victory. You would probably say, "Then that would be Gideon." Gideon would not have been able to conquer without this key individual.

2. Notice: Gideon by nature was always fearful:

a. When first called, Gideon was hiding in a wine press;

b. Gideon destroyed the altar of Baal by night because he was afraid of the people;

c. He was so nervous about fighting the Midianites that he had to have a double confirmation by the fleece.

d. And again here, with the 300, his courage waned and he wouldn't have gone into battle but for a human instrument which gave him courage.

3. God had said, "You’re the mighty man of valor! You're the man I'm going to use to defeat the Midianites!" But let's go back to chapter 7:9; “During that night the LORD said to Gideon, "Get up, go down against the camp, because I am going to give it into your hands.

4. Now if God told you ‘it's a done deal’, couldn't you believe God? But then God added, as he spoke to Gideon, “If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp." So he and Purah his servant went down to the outposts of the camp” (vss. 10-11).

D. TITLE: “PURAH: THE GIFT OF ENCOURAGEMENT”

1. Every home needs a Purah; every great leader needs a Purah. Purah was Gideon's servant, but also his friend and companion. Gideon had 300 mighty men, but they couldn't give Gideon comfort or courage; only Purah could. Gideon had to turn to someone who could lend strength to him.

2. Let me say something about leadership. Leadership is not as brave as you think it is. You think your dad is so strong and powerful; you think your parents are so strong and invincible; you think your pastor always has victory in Jesus?

3. The truth is, every leader I’ve ever met had an element of fear. Often times they’re scared to death. But, thank God, He also sends them Purah’s.

I. QUALIFICATIONS OF A PURAH

A. PURAH’S STAND IN THE SHADOWS

1. A Purah stands in the shadows while Gideon stands in the limelight. Nobody talks about Purah’s 300. We have many Purah’s working in the preschool and nursery. People like Burt & Christina Vimont, the Buchecks, Mrs. Faith, Deanna Gustafson, Helen Farmer and many more. I appreciate the Board members, who stand in the gap and strengthen the hands of leadership.

2. Wives often support their husbands when they face a crisis or discouragement; they’re Purah’s to them. Daughters are often strengths to their mothers.

B. PURAH’S LEND STRENGTH, ENCOURAGEMENT

1. Look at verses 10 and 11. God had said to Gideon, "I'll go with you, mighty man of valor." But Gideon was still weak, afraid -- second-guessing himself. Don’t we do that? Then our spouse says, "Honey, you're doing such a good job, I believe in you. We're going to see this through, together!"