Gideon, part 1

Pineapples in Malaumanda… taken before I got them

Gideon - coward, conqueror, compromiser

Judges 6:1 - Israel did Evil

God gave them into the hands of the Midianites

Life was bad!!

Seven years, and then Israel cried out to the Lord

Judges 6:7-10 - God sent a prophet

History of what God did for them

What they did - not listen

Why send the prophet? They needed to understand why they were in trouble

Judges 6:11-24 - Interaction with the angel of the Lord, Gideon in the winepress (not ideal for threshing)

A - The LORD is with you (sg), mighty warrior (what made him mighty? The LORD with him)

G - if with us (pl), why? Does God really care about us? Questioning God’s love and care

God chastened

Reason: because he hates sin and loves his people too much to see them destroying themselves, their reputations, and His reputation

God rebuked

Purpose: to bring repentance for wrong actions, not sadness about circumstances

they were crying out, but were they repentant? Context indicates ‘no’

God helped - because of his love; Isa 63.9

Isaiah 63:9 NIV

In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

A - No answer. He should know. But solution: You go. I am sending you.

G - how can I? (realistic view of self, what did he forget?) Does God know what he is doing? Questioning God’s wisdom

G’s questioning reveals lack of faith at this point...

God is patient… helps Gideon to grow in faith

A - I will be with you

G - give me a sign

A - I will

A - waiting, G - preparing

A - Put it on the rock and make it wet

A - flame!! and disappear

G - Uh-oh, I have seen the LORD

L - Peace, do not be afraid

The Lord is Peace, if we are not at peace with God, we cannot face what is coming at us in life

L - tear down and offer to me

G - afraid… stealthy at night, Will God take care of me? did it his way to protect himself… still not acting in faith...

tear down idols before turning to God fully

P - who? Get Gideon!! (they were still counting on Baal!!)

Dad - Baal deal with him

Nickname - world may make fun of you and call you names… still the same today as it was in Gideon’s day

Spirit of the Lord came on Gideon, God enables

G - let’s go...

G - uh, sign please, uh, sign again please, Will God keep his promises?

is fleece good thing? No… But God is patient

Judges 7:1-8 - Army assembles

L - too many

G - afraid, go home (22,000 leave, 10,000 remain)

L - too many, go to the water

Dog-men stay, 300

Judges 7:9-15 - Dream time

L - If you are afraid go down

G - goes, hears dream

G - worships, Faith is the Victory! 1 John 5:4

1 John 5:4 NIV

for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

Judges 7:16-25 - Battle time

No weapons

Midianites turned on each other, then fled

Israelites pursued and killed

Judges 8:22-35 - a sad ending

Israel - you rule

G - no, the Lord rules

G - but, give me gold

G - ephod

Israel - worshiped the ephod

G - many wives and sons, and a concubine