READING: Judges 6-7
Everything in this devotional today is counter-cultural. God’s people had once again turned from Him, and He had once again allowed an enemy — this time, the Midianites — to overtake them. In turn, God raised up Gideon to be a mighty warrior to lead the Hebrews into battle.
Raising up a mighty warrior makes sense. What doesn’t make sense is the way God found that warrior and then led the battle. First, he called Gideon, who by his own admission said, “My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family” (Judges 6:15). Nothing in his background suggested to Gideon that he was the man for the hour. In fact, these chapters show that he often struggled with faith—and my guess is that he knew that. Still, God set him apart as the leader.
Next, God systematically reduced the army of Israel from 32,000 warriors to 300. Then, He gave them a battle plan that included blowing trumpets, breaking jars, and hollering things. None of this makes sense in my mind, but it’s the plan God gave them. And, He had a reason for such a plan, as He always does: "The Lord said to Gideon, 'You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, ‘My own strength has saved me’” (Judges 7:2). Simply stated, God would win the battle His way so that He alone would get the glory. If the Israelites won by the plan God gave them, in no way could they take credit.
God still works this way, you know. He uses the weakest of us for His glory. Somehow, He takes the little, the young, the struggling, the learning, the tired and the frail and empowers them in such a way to defeat the enemy. The last becomes first, and the servant becomes the leader. It’s quite amazing, actually. And quite different from the way we think.
Maybe you’re feeling weak today. If so, that’s okay. Indeed, that’s a good place to be.
Or, maybe you’re feeling really strong — capable, ready, powerful, in fact. If so, you might be in a more dangerous place than you think. God may need to reduce you.
ACTION STEPS: Consider these steps:
- Evaluate your life today. Are you weak or strong? Be honest.
- Ask two others who know you well the same question about you. Find out how they see you. You might be surprised.
PRAYER: “Father, do what You must to reduce me today for Your glory.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Judges 8-9
