Last week in our LIFE Lessons Bible Study, I asked the question, “Do you believe God intervenes in human lives when we pray and ask for his help?” Everyone present that evening affirmed the belief that God has the power and many times turns challenging situations around to fulfill his purpose. Our sovereign Lord has promised to guide and protect us as we obediently journey into his will. However, we must never forget God uses challenges and even suffering to draw us into a deeper, more obedient, and trusting walk with him. So, not intervening, is still the spilling of God’s love for us as his children. We learn both ways. Free-will is our gift from God, but we must use it wisely.
In our ongoing passage from the Book of Judges, Gideon has been called by God to lead Israel out of Midianite oppression and into deliverance. The Israelites find themselves in this oppressive situation, because they have chosen to do what God defines as “evil;” and therefore, God chooses to turn them over to the Midianites in order to teach them to walk in his ways (Judges 6:1). In our reading, it is time for Israel to freely choose to obey God.
God always seems to do the unpredictable and we see his intervention is strategically unusual. Gideon starts out with 32,000 Israelite warriors; but God tells Gideon to let 22,000 fearful and timid men go home (Judges 7:3). Still too many warriors, God trims off another group; leaving Gideon with 300 men and a battle against a huge Midianite army awaiting.
As we read our passage, it becomes clear God intends to intervene. Gideon needs reassurance, so God sends him to eavesdrop near the Midianite camp. He overhears two Midianite men talking about an odd and symbolic dream one of them had that began stirring fear in the enemy. God can turn an evil tormenting spirit back on itself.
Immediately, Gideon knows he must trust God and do exactly as the Lord directs. What does Gideon do when he receives this revelation? He worships! Gideon now has confidence this battle is actually the Lord’s.
We face spiritual battles every day, but God is greater than the obstacles before us. As we walk in obedience, the power of God is with us; so, the fear of the Lord must navigate our daily walk. A spiritual battle is never won by human strength, but by free-will allegiance to God. The Lord’s enemies will always self-slaughter. Remember, we are those cracked clay jars who hold the Light of Truth.
Judges 7:12-22 NLT
12 The armies of Midian, Amalek, and the people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts. Their camels were like grains of sand on the seashore—too many to count! 13 Gideon crept up just as a man was telling his companion about a dream. The man said, “I had this dream, and in my dream a loaf of barley bread came tumbling down into the Midianite camp. It hit a tent, turned it over, and knocked it flat!”
14 His companion answered, “Your dream can mean only one thing—God has given Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite, victory over Midian and all its allies!”
15 When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship before the Lord. Then he returned to the Israelite camp and shouted, “Get up! For the Lord has given you victory over the Midianite hordes!” 16 He divided the 300 men into three groups and gave each man a ram’s horn and a clay jar with a torch in it.
17 Then he said to them, “Keep your eyes on me. When I come to the edge of the camp, do just as I do. 18 As soon as I and those with me blow the rams’ horns, blow your horns, too, all around the entire camp, and shout, ‘For the Lord and for Gideon!’”
19 It was just after midnight, after the changing of the guard, when Gideon and the 100 men with him reached the edge of the Midianite camp. Suddenly, they blew the rams’ horns and broke their clay jars. 20 Then all three groups blew their horns and broke their jars. They held the blazing torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, and they all shouted, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!”
21 Each man stood at his position around the camp and watched as all the Midianites rushed around in a panic, shouting as they ran to escape. 22 When the 300 Israelites blew their rams’ horns, the Lord caused the warriors in the camp to fight against each other with their swords. Those who were not killed fled to places as far away as Beth-shittah near Zererah and to the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for intervening in our lives to teach us more about your love, your power, and your will. This lesson about Gideon is a great reminder for us Lord. We cannot take credit for our victory over evil; you are the One who makes us more than conquerors. We are so grateful you are in control, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.