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- What attributes of God’s character does this passage reveal?
- How does the passage point to Jesus?
- How should the truth of this passage change me?
- How do the events of today’s reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?
Judg. 7-8
Moses comes to mind with Gideon’s story because of the great patience God demonstrated in dealing with each of them when He called them to deliver His people. Back in chapter 6, God gave Gideon several signs to affirm his calling. Here in chapter 7 He went ahead and offered encouragement without Gideon’s even asking for it. “But if you are afraid to attack the camp, go down with Purah your servant. Listen to what they say, and then you will be encouraged to attack the camp.” (Jud. 7:10-11a). God is such a gracious and gentle God, patiently addressing our concerns and alleviating our fears. He knows that we are weak, yet He chooses us anyway.
Judg. 9
If you want to know where people really stand with God, watch how they treat other people. Jotham’s addendum to his parable against the citizens of Shechem is very telling. I see in it the truth that when we are faithful and honest with God, we rejoice in Him and He in us. If, however, we wrongly place something or someone else as king in our lives, we and our supposed king will be consumed by fire.
The people of Shechem clearly did not have right relationship with God. They rejected Gidon, God’s representative, and his family. In choosing Abimelech, one of their own, they chose their own way over God’s. This led to the slaughter of Gideon’s seventy sons, a lot of scheming, distrust, and deceit, and the deaths of a whole lot of others. It is clear that when we choose to serve sin – our flesh, human nature, own ways – we leave a wake of division, death, and destruction. Serving God, though, is contrary to serving self. So if we are faithful and honest in our service to Him, we will bring peace, joy, unity, and life to others.