Gideon--a hero role model
Judges 6:11-24
Hebrews 11:32-34
32 ¶ And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: (KJV)
32 ¶ ¿Qué más diré? Me faltaría el tiempo para contar de Gedeón, de Barac, de Sansón, de Jefté, de David, de Samuel y de los profetas. (SRVA)
33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, (KJV)
33 Por la fe éstos conquistaron reinos, hicieron justicia, alcanzaron promesas, taparon bocas de leones, (SRVA)
34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. (KJV)
34 sofocaron la violencia del fuego, escaparon del filo de la espada, sacaron fuerzas de la debilidad, se hicieron poderosos en batalla y pusieron en fuga los ejércitos de los extranjeros. (SRVA)
A Call
A Sacrifice
The Fire
An Altar---Jehova Shalom-------Peace
A leader used of God
I. The Call
Judges 6:6 tells us that Israel cried out unto the Lord because of their distress.
The following verses give us the response of the Lord, explaining all the things that God had already done for them; then He ends verse 10 by saying, "but ye have not obeyed my voice."
At this point, one may feel that God has just washed His hands of the whole situation.
But Praise the Lord that in verse 11, we see God extending His MERCY one more time in calling and raising up a new leader.
Oh, do not despise the day of small beginnings.
We find Gideon, hid among the stuff, threshing wheat in a most unlikely place, for fear of the enemy.
He is doing a job that normally requires a large open space with enough area for the breeze to separate the chaff from the wheat.
We usually jump in here to tell of how cowardly Gideon was.
The truth is that he was one of the few who had not given up altogether on hope. Sure things were bad, but they had to press forward and keep working and providing for their families. It had to be done in secret, but they couldn't just throw in the towel and give up completely.
Yes, Gideon was discouraged, and bumfuzzled, but he was bent on survival.
God is still looking for this kind of people for these last days.
He will call you and name you by faith that which He plans to make you.
Like most of us, Gideon makes a list of why he felt that he was not qualified.
1. from a poor family
2. from Manasseh (not known for military strength)
3. least of all the family
The Lord does not chide him, He just lets him know that He will be with him.
God delights in choosing and using those who recognize their nothingness, so that without a doubt He will get the glory.
II. The Sacrifice
Gideon understands the importance of offering a sacrifice to God.
It is not every day that one gets a visitation from an angel.
This was no microwave lunch. He took some quality time to preapare something worthy of giving to such a special visitor.
It cost him time and it cost him of his possessions.
III. Fire added
That which undoubtedly took hours of preparation was consumed in a moment by the fire.
It did not offend him, it enlightened him.
He was made aware that this was the angel of the Lord.
The fire put the fear into Gideon.
It also ushered Gideon into a new level and a new walk with the Lord.
IV. The Life Changing Altar
This is where Gideon went from preparation to ministry.
Jehova Shalom = The God of Peace
That is what every altar should produce. We lay all our doubts, burdens, cares, offenses, misunderstandings, etc. on the altar and accept that God is in control and will lead us from victory to victory as we obey and follow His perfect way.
It is also interesting to note that upon making an altar to the true God, that same night (vs. 25), the Lord sent him out to throw down the altar of the enemy.
V. A Useful Leader
He became known quickly as "Jerubbaal" = contender with Baal.
What a difference a real visitation from heaven can make in ones life!
In the Hall of Faith--Hebrews 11, Gideon is mentioned.
It all began "through faith"
And some of the results:
1. subdued kingdoms
2. obtained promises
3. out of weakness was made strong
4. waxed valiant in fight
5. turned to flight the armies of the aliens
Conclusion:
Be found busy, even when things look bleak. Be sensitive to the Lord and respond to Him honestly and reverently. Offer Him the best you have. Make you altar an altar of peace and the God of peace will lead you into blessings untold.
