Who, Me?

What are our most pressing issues?

Cultural? Relational? Financial? Organizational? Political? Spiritual? Economy/Job Market?

The reality is we have many issues and depending on how you look at the world, and given your circumstances, the answer may be different.

Everyone sees the “same” world.

Though there are many differences we all have the same world. Those who disagree with us do not have a different set of “evidence” we all have the same material. The question is how do we view this “evidence”.

Judges reminds us of who God is.

The book is primarily, as all books of Scripture, present to reveal to us who God is. We see his traits and personality in each story/book.

Judges reminds us of who we are.

Yet, Scripture does not just reveal who God is as if it is one sided but also who we are as humanity.

Gideon becomes a turning point.

Things start to change even more starting with this passage. For one, we see a prophet show up to indict the nation. This was not done prior to this point. We also see starting with Gideon, and we will explore this next week, the judges may deliver but they also ensnare the nation.

The issue: unfaithfulness to God.

This was not a national issue but a personal and family issue. We read the “Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord” meaning decided to serve more than just him. A prophet comes to remind them of the covenant and it is declared, “but you have not listened to me.”

This is our issue as well. We may know God’s Word but we don’t always live out God’s word. This is my issue. I am not saying all pain is because of sin but sometimes it is. We live in a broken world due to unfaithfulness.

God hears cries.

However, God does not turn a deaf ear to the unfaithful. He always hears.

God desires a relationship.

Notice in the interaction with Gideon that God doesn’t seem to be bothered much by the exchange. God is not a god who only wants it His way and demands we are robots. He uses our excuses to further our faith development of who He is. God uses our pain for His glory.

God can handle our honest objections. He doesn’t want a robot he wants willful obedience to him. Gideon does obey, maybe not as ideal as we would like but does do what God desires.

Gideon’s altar: The Lord is Peace!

Yahweh Shalom. As Goldingay states “God makes things well”.

Part of the issue was Gideon and his family was looking to another source for their peace. So too, me, you, us. We look to our bank accounts, our physical health, our nation, our employer/employees, etc. Yet, when anything, even the good, becomes our focus instead of our Lord we have created an idol. Jesus said, “seek first the kingdom of God...”

Do you need peace? Jesus is our peace. Notice in these verses the truth of Gideon’s path before any battle was won.

Peace=The presence of Christ.

If you have submitted to Christ you have the presence of Christ with you at all times. There can be peace in the midst of the trauma and pains of life. No, just because we have Jesus and may even be faithful to Jesus we will not escape all these things. Jesus himself said,

John 16:33 (NIV)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.”

Paul would go on to say,

Philippians 4:4–7 NIV

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Be found in Jesus.

We will be anxious. We will be uptight. We will be lots of things but will you be in Jesus? We are told to turn our anxiety into prayers. We are to be joyful because of who He is not because of what is going on around us. Then we are open to experience the peace of Christ. Will we do this 100% correct? Absolutely not. Life and the book of Judges show this. However, God hears our cries and we can be rescued again and again.