An Army Raised

View daily reading plan: Judges 6.33-35

 The massed armies of Midian, Amalek, and their confederates were intimidating Israel once more (v33), but now, God had a man in reserve to challenge the threat. That man would need divine power, and so ‘the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon’ (v34). This was a frequent occurrence in Old Testament times, but as far as we are concerned, the Holy Spirit came to indwell us at the moment of conversion. He is the power for Christian living (Rom 8v4) and the power for Christian service (1Thess 1v5). Let us depend on Him rather than on will-power or fleshly energy and ingenuity.

When Gideon blew the trumpet to marshal his army, there was an immediate response from his own area of Abi-ezer (v34), and from his own tribe of Manasseh (v35). He had the support of the people who knew him best. We have it on the highest authority that ‘A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house’ (Matt 13v57), but Gideon was an exception to that general rule. Timothy also commanded the respect of those who knew him best, for he ‘was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium’ (Acts 16v2).

Be like these men, and do all in your power to be held in esteem by the believers with whom you associate. Respect can be earned by godly living, a kindly disposition, zealous service, and devotion to Christ. It is that respect that will promote support for you in any venture that you undertake for God. Gideon had his own people solidly behind him.
 

Friday, 21 June, 2024