Judges 4-6

March 14

Judges 4-6

The roller-coaster continues. Israel did evil in the eyes of the Lord, He sends someone to bring correction. Israel cries out to God who hears them and responds. God does not always send the most obvious person to bring restoration. In a time when women were little more than the property of their husbands, God used Deborah to lead Israel. He used Jael to defeat Sisera the commander over the Canaanite Army. Part of Deborah’s song after their victory was; “when the people willingly offer themselves praise the Lord!”

In chapter 6 we are introduced to Gideon. Gideon was the least of the least. But when God showed up He called Gideon “mighty warrior.” God had a plan for Gideon and a plan for Israel, but he needed someone to willingly offer themselves to serve God. Gideon was reluctant. He knew he was the least of his clan which was the weakest of his tribe. But God does not look at what others look at. God saw what Gideon could be if he walked with the Lord.

God’s response to Gideon’s plea of insufficiency was; “I will be with you.” What more can we ask for than for God to go with us. Jesus said in Matthew 28:20b; “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”" (Matthew 28:20, NIV) God goes with us when we pursue His mission for our lives. It does not matter who we may be in the eyes of the world around us, God can use us.

God needs people who will willingly offer themselves to His service. That does not mean you have to move to Africa. It does not mean you have to become a pastor or a missionary. It does not mean you have to change jobs. God wants to use us where we are. Don’t worry about the “what ifs,” just trust God and remember that He will go with us to empower us to do what we could never do on our own.