Bible Chapter: Judges 7 & 8

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    The story of Gideon is very unique.  It shows us some of God’s nature.  God has all power and can do anything.  As God was about to use Gideon to save the nation, He insisted on doing it in such a way that only God would get the glory.  Gideon started out with an army of 32,000 men.  God whittled it down to 300.  That way no one could say they did it.  God wants us to learn to fully trust Him in every situation.  He has no problem taking care of whatever we may face.  God’s people must learn to be alert to His leading.
    God gave Gideon the victory.  The enemy started fighting itself and the scattered.  The victory was large.  This is what happened when Gideon obeyed God.  This important lesson is what all believers must grasp.  It is easy to try to manipulate victory on our own terms.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    The end of chapter eight jumped out to me as I read it.  After seeing God give them a great victory, and after Gideon judged the nation for forty years of peace, as soon as Gideon died the people again prostituted themselves with the Baals.  They forgot what God had done for them.  They didn’t treat Gideon’s family with kindness.  What this says is that as soon as Gideon was not judging them any more, as soon as their leader was gone, they jumped headlong back to evil.
    It appears that they were not really worshiping God, they were only going along with the program. If their hearts had been for God, they would have continued to serve Him.  To me, this says that people must be above routine religious activities and really get in a close connection with God.  I have seen many people involved in religious stuff in my life.  Now, it looks like many are walking away from even the surface religious involvement they have had.  That strong warning should get all of our attention.  Get close to Jesus, not just the form.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people see the lessons of Gideon.  God took a “nobody” and used him in such a way that thousands of years later people are being inspired by his life.  Obedience is a key word we see from his victory over Midian.