Title: Gideon's Call/Judges 6:11-18
As you enter...
Tonight, I would like to share a message about Gideon's calling, focusing on the contents of Judges 6. Israel enjoyed peace and quiet for 40 years thanks to Deborah's activities. However, during the period of peace, Israel, who once again committed evil in the sight of God, was disciplined by God and oppressed by the "Midian", but had to suffer very intensely for 7 years. In this tribulation, God appointed Gideon as a judge to save the people who repented and cried out. Today, together with Gideon, I sincerely hope that it will be a time for you to see God's amazing work and the mission toward him and be transformed.
1. Gideon realized his lack
In verse 15, Gideon confesses himself, saying, "Lord, with what can I save Israel? Behold, my house is very weak among Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house." He honestly and frankly confesses that he does not have the strength to defeat the mighty Midianites and their allies, and that his clan does not have the military strength to drive out Midianites as many as locusts and save Israel. It was God who valued Gideon's attitude of acknowledging such humility and lack. God does not use those who consider themselves great. Rather, he uses those who perceive his existence as worthless and consider it small.
On the other hand, those who think that I can do something do not conform to the heart of the Lord because they blame themselves for the grace of God. We are living in an age of humility and regret for Gideon, who realizes his own shortcomings whenever he stands before God.
2. Gideon's Victory Guaranteed by God's Promise
3. Gideon with the Token of Confidence
God had said to Gideon, “I am with you and I will use you to give you victory” (see verses 12 and 16), but it is difficult to say that a person who believes only in these words and has only been farming until now will rise for the sake of the nation. People believe you have to hold something in your hand. I do not try to believe in words. Moreover, it will be even more so in the present age when it is difficult to trust people. In this situation, we see Gideon's request to God in verse 17.
(Judges 6:17) Gideon answered him, "If I have found favor with you, show me the sign that you are the one who spoke with me."
This means that you can believe and follow God's signs only when you personally confirm them. So, we can see that Gideon asks for a sign from God through all three supplications.
First, the magical event of the burning of meat and unleavened bread (verses 19-21); second, the request that at night be dry on all sides and only the fleece wet with dew (verses 36-38); thirdly, contrary to the second temptation It was a sign that the dew on all sides would be wet at night and that only the wool would be dry (verses 39-40).
These things are really unfortunate from God's point of view, but God allows them. The reason is that Gideon's desire to make certain of the uncertainties was in Gideon's heart, and he knew Gideon's deep desire to trust Him beyond doubt.
The Lord gives us a sign of certainty. What could be more foolish than seeing, touching, realizing, and repeating a life without the change of mistakes? Rather than doing God's work less uncertainly, I sincerely hope that you, like Gideon, will earnestly cling to and cry out and receive an answer with confidence.
As you finish...
Tonight, focusing on the words of Judges 6, we will see once again the amazing work of salvation in which God saves Israel through Gideon. When it is difficult and difficult, God calls the worthy workers and gives them a mission to wake them up. You write him clearly. Just as God gave Gideon his confirmation and gave him a mission to work, God speaks to us and makes us work. Like Gideon who realized his own shortcomings, I sincerely hope that your life will be a life of strength and courage, not such a disobedient worker, but by imitating such a humble obedience that silently approaches God and looking at God who uses us clearly.
Prayer:
① I thank the Lord for using me as a tool that I have learned a lot, have a lot, and have a lot of authority, but I am lacking.
②Before listening to people’s words, listen to God’s words and become a warrior who believes in God’s promises and moves forward.