Judge Gideon''s experience

Judges 7:9~18 During that night the Lord said to Gideon, “Get up, go down against the camp, because I am going to give it into your hands.” (9)

♬ Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #570 While the Lord is My Shepherd (#453 in previous version)

After the Israelites entered the land of Canaan, they raised judges prior to raising a king. Although they raised a total of 14 judges, many problems arose after Joshua’s death such as the Israelites acting upon their own desires and following the ways of Canaan. That is why wars continued for 100 years for the Israelites. That is when the fifth judge Gideon received his calling. Gideon was raised as a witness by enjoying the fact that God was with him. What was the evidence that Gideon held onto?

1. Evidence about myself
God chose and called Gideon as a judge. Gideon prayed to God to show him His power and evidence because he was lacking. God heard Gideon’s prayer and gave him the evidence of setting the sacrificial offering on a rock on fire, destroying idols, and making dew fall on the sheep skin. Gideon held onto this evidence and became a witness who testifies God’s power. When we pray so that we can experience God’s power, God will give us the evidence to raise us as witnesses.

2. If it is God’s will, God will carry out His works
God commanded them to fight in the war with Midian with 300 soldiers who were trembling in fear. Knowing that God had a plan for the war with Midian, he had assurance that God will do His work if it is His will. They eventually won the war, and the Israelites experienced through the war the fact that they can do everything not by human strength but by God’s power. Gideon became a witness of God’s plan and power.

3. Simply hold onto the evidence of God’s method
In the war against Midian, Gideon followed the method of God. God told them to throw their torches, blow their trumpets, and shout out a war cry. God’s method was not understandable because a battle was supposed to be fought with spears and shields. However, Gideon was assured that God’s method would lead to victory and went forth with faith. Eventually, Midian was completely destroyed from fighting amongst themselves, and Gideon experienced God’s method that surpasses all worldly methods.
Forum Topic
Like Gideon who experienced God’s power that surpasses human strength, pray for answers and evidence of enjoying God’s plan and method. Also, meditate on what God’s plan for you may be.
58 Immanuel Church Sunday Worship 1st Service / 2013.1.20