Gideon 2

Gideon 2
Judges 6:33-40

By way of review, last week we read from Chapter 6 of Gideon's calling and commission to the great work of delivering his people.
We noted that Gideon was an unlikely leader, but God had great plans for his life.

He was at first a Hero in Hiding.
Next we saw God call him to the work and he was a Commoner Commissioned.
Lastly, we saw God's plan involved some housecleaning and He challenged Gideon to do a Midnight Raid within his own household.

Now we are brought back to the task of delivering Israel as Gideon is seeking to obey God's calling on his life.
There are several points throughout the story that I want to highlight, the first being in the first three verses of the opening text.

READ TEXT Judges 6:33-40
PRAY

Gideon immediately followed the leading of the Holy Spirit. V33-35
Gideon was not waiting to obey God, He immediately began preparations as God had commanded.
If God has a great work for you and has laid it upon your heart, begin preparation now!
Upon taking this great step of faith and calling for men from four tribes, Gideon is concerned with clarifying his call.
I do not see this as a weakness in Gideon but an admirable strength.

Gideon sought to prove the Lord's specific directions.V36-40
When we are burdened to accomplish something for the cause of Christ, we should always seek to prove God's specific directions.
Notice this was not a long drawn-out process in which Gideon was looking for an excuse to quit.
Rather, this was a brief time of solidifying God's specific calling on Gideon's life.
God came through in a miraculous way for Gideon and showed him that He would be true to His word and deliver Israel from the hand of the Midianites and Amalekites.

God Weeded out the Fearful and the Careless. V1-8
These eight verses are some of the most intriguing in the whole story.
God had a very clear plan for Gideon's victory and Gideon was willing to follow it to the letter.
He first weeded out the fearful.
He then weeded out the reckless.
There remained only 300 courageous and careful men with whom God promised to win the victory.

When people leave the ranks for whatever reason, it can be discouraging.
There is a certain security in numbers.
God is aware of this and sought to encourage Gideon.
God Encouraged His chosen leadership. V9-15
It seems there were some bad dreams going through the minds of the Midianites.
God knew this would encourage Gideon.
When we are discouraged or in need of encouragement, look around, God will show you if you are still on the right path.

Gideon paid close attention to effective methods. V16-20
Now Gideon's methods of battle were a bit different than what was traditional.
He could have held with traditional methods and charged into the host with swords drawn.
However, he was willing to do something different to win the battle.
Sometimes God wants us to move out of our comfort zone, leaving traditional methods behind and do something that will bring Him the most glory.
Notice that later in the story, Gideon's methods change again.
He is not tied to a method just because it is successful once.
Later he picks up the traditional sword and goes to battle as was normal.

God wrought a miraculous victory. V21-23
We see here that God always intended on winning this great victory.
There is much more to this story, but let us examine ourselves:

When the Holy Spirit pricks your heart do you move immediately?
When You God to battle do you seek God's specific instructions?
God's plan for you may take a great step of faith.
Are you willing to take that step?