Bible Pathway - Mar. 24, 2011
Read Judges 6:1
Highlights:
Israel's repetitious disobedience results in her defeat and domination by Midian. Gideon takes a stand against his father's worship of Baal. Battle against the Midianites. See the remarkable way the Lord led Gideon and his army (Judg. 7:2-15).
For seven long years the Israelites were worshiping Baal and consequently were suffering under the rule of the Midianites. They needed to learn that failure to obey God always results in suffering.
Gideon's readiness to obey the command of the Angel is most refreshing. At great risk to himself, Gideon built an altar there unto the Lord. . . . the Lord said unto him . . . throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath (built) . . . And build an altar unto the Lord thy God upon the top of this rock . . . and offer a burnt sacrifice. . . . Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the Lord had said unto him (Judg. 6:24-27).
There was an outcry of vengeance from the city against Gideon for destroying the altar of Baal.
After this, Gideon faced a vast invading army of 135,000 soldiers (8:10), while at the same time the Lord instructed him to progressively disband his own forces. It seemed impossible to expect his chosen 300 soldiers to defeat the huge Midianite and Amalekite army. The Apostle Peter recorded: Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you . . . But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings (I Pet. 4:12-13). In our hopeless hour when there seems to be no way out, it is reassuring to know that God is always able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us (Eph. 3:20).
As we respond in faith, God is able to increase our faith, that we may learn He is in control of every detail of our lives. "Things" that happen to believers are not accidents but incidents to be used of God to develop our faith to fulfill His will. However, under the guise of "waiting for a more convenient time," some Christians prefer to avoid opportunities of being used of God. They avoid at all cost the difficulties that are often essential to fulfill His will. They avoid all the inconveniences that would be necessary to be like Paul, the man God chose to write the majority of our New Testament. God said of the Apostle Paul: I will shew him how great things he must suffer for My Name's sake (Acts 9:16), but for all who are willing to be used of God, you can be sure He worketh all things after the counsel of His own will (Eph. 1:11).
Thought for Today:
The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing (Zeph. 3:17).
Christ Revealed:
As the Sword of the Lord (Judg. 7:20). In the Apostle John's revelation of Jesus, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged Sword (Rev. 1:16). We know that the Sword is the Word of God (Eph. 6:17) and that Jesus is the Word of God made flesh (John 1:14).
Word Studies:
6:1 into the hand under the control; 6:3 came up against them invaded the country; 6:13 befallen happened to; 6:16 smite strike down; 6:19 unleavened yeast-free; 6:20 flesh meat; 6:28 grove idols; 6:36 by my hand through me; 7:3 in the ears within the hearing.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Gov. Peter Shumlin (VT), Gov. Christine Gregoire (WA), Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ), and Rep. Don Manzullo (IL) • Staff: Gina Lesnefsky • Country: Bahrain (629,000) 11 islands in the Persian Gulf near Saudi Arabia • Major languages: Arabic and English • No evangelical work is permitted • 85% Muslim; 5% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant; 1% Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Husbands, love your wives as Christ loves the Church (Eph. 5:25).
Optional Reading: John 15:1
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Peter 1:8
