Learn From Gideon, 28

~ Trust God Without a Specific Sign ~

The Biblical account of the life of Gideon provides for one of the most interesting character studies in all of Scripture.  In this series we will discover practical lessons for living the Christian life today.  

Scripture  ~  “It happened on the same night that the Lord said to him, ‘Arise, go down against the camp, for I have delivered it into your hand.  But if you are afraid to go down, go down to the camp with Purah your servant, and you shall hear what they say; and afterward your hands shall be strengthened to go down against the camp.’  Then he went down with Purah his servant to the outpost of the armed men who were in the camp.  Now the Midianites and Amalekites, all the people of the East, were lying in the valley as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the seashore in multitude” (Judges 7:9-12).

Learn From Gideon  ~  Gideon trusted God without needing a miraculous sign.

1. Previously (Judges 6:25-40) we find Gideon honestly seeking a sign.
2. Now Gideon has grown.  The book of Hebrews provides the definition of maturity in Christ: “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.  For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.  But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:12-14).
3. Now God is asking Gideon to step out in faith (“Arise, go down against the camp”).
4. God offers reassurance (“Arise, go down against the camp, for I have delivered it into your hand”).
5. Gideon is now facing a huge crisis of faith:  “the Midianites and Amalekites, all the people of the East, were lying in the valley as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the seashore in multitude.”
6. Gideon obeyed God (“he went down”).
7. As we will see further on God kept His word to Gideon. 

Challenge For Us  ~  Can you trust God when asked to do something beyond your ability without having a miraculous sign from above? 

concluding comment  ~  We learn about Gideon primarily from Judges 6-8, but also Isaiah 9:1-7, and Hebrews 11:1-3, 32-34.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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