Day 92

Judges 7:1-9:21. “Little Gideon’s Big God”

Week Fourteen — April 2nd–8th, Judges 7-21; Ruth 1-4; 1 Samuel 1:1-8; 1 Chronicles 2:9-55; 4:1-23
         After reading through these passages, the results of my brainstorming leads to a theme that runs along the lines of; big things with little people, impressive with unimpressive, imposing with unimposing, splendid with simple, or heroic undertakings by humble people.
         These passages address the fact that God can use the most unassuming person to accomplish all He has in mind.  An individual does not need a long list of impressive credentials, terrific looks or great strength, but merely a heart willing to serve and follow God (and of course a person filled with the Spirit of God).  May you be encouraged by this truth.

         God gave Gideon a tremendous task: defeat the Midianites.  Gideon asked how he—the weakest of the family from the weakest clan—could save anyone (6:15).  The LORD emphasizes the point by even making Gideon’s army look rather weak.
         The Midianites numbered 135,000 strong.  Gideon’s army numbered 32,000 at its peak.  Then 22,000 went home when Gideon allowed any of the frightened to leave.  Next was the test for how they drank water (just another way of God thinning out the group), and finally only 300 men were left.
         OK, what about weapons?  It is possible that the men had swords, but the “weapons” listed for each man was a horn, a clay pot, and a torch.  Three hundred men armed with pots led by an unfamiliar man who was first found hiding from the enemy (6:11), conquered a well-trained world power army of 135,000.
         In the end no one could say the armies of Midian were conquered because of powerful warriors, or well-trained leaders, or the most modern weaponry.  It could only be said that God saved Israel.  God left no doubt.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?