"Victory Through Faithfulness" Sermon Preview

Have you ever read or heard a story that just grabbed you and wouldn’t let go?  The words and the images just kept playing through your mind.  There was something about it that called you into a deeper world like a siren’s song enveloping you.  You didn’t know what it was about it that had captured you, but you found your mind returning to it in those times between other thoughts, those times in which your mind was free to wander.  That has been my experience with Gideon in Judges 7:1-21 over the last number of months.

Before chapter 7, we read that Gideon had a sense of call that God had placed upon him and yet he experienced doubt that God was really going to do this.  Gideon then experienced a double confirmation that God was with him through the fleece and whether or not it got wet from the dew.  But then in chapter 7, God does a strange thing.  God shrinks Gideon's army through two "tests" from 32,000 to 300.  Gideon's army will not be successful by their own strength or ability, but rather through faithfulness to God and His power.

But even with his double confirmation, it seems that the reduced numbers were eating away at Gideon's confidence.  He still needed one more confirmation which he received from an unexpected word.  Because of God's direction, he went down to the enemy camp and heard the interpretation of a dream that confirmed Gideon's victory.  Gideon went back and brought his troops with confidence, yet his victory still did not come through might or numbers or skill.  His victory came with uncommon implements of trumpets, torches, and jars.  God brought about the victory and no one else could claim it.

As you consider Gideon's story in Judges 7:1-21, reflect on these questions in a time of silence, through journaling or in group dialogue.

1. What doubts do you have in life and what is their source?

2. Think of a time that you have received confirmation from God for something and was that enough for you to more forward?

3. In what ways do we need to set aside our own strength and abilities in order gain victory through faithfulness?

4. Where might Bethel need to be listening for an unexpected word?

5. What are Bethel's uncommon implements?  What are our trumpets, torches and jars through which God will bring us "victory?"

May Jesus richly bless you in this week ahead, leading you in His kingdom purposes. Amen