Be Still… – Page 258 – Relevant Reflections to Let God's Word Back Into Your Hands and Heart

Judges 9:1-6 – Power Hungry

tiger head close up showing fangs — (this is a stuffed tiger by the way)

If we wondered in our last reading why only one of the 70 sons of Gideon, the one born to his concubine in Shechem, was mentioned, we now know the answer. The story is shifting, and Abimelech desires to make a name for himself. He is power hungry, in addition to feeling “less” than the others because he is the son of Gideon’s concubine and not one of the wives.

We already know the Israelites are in another period where they turn away from God. Now we see what evil is up to. Abimelech is a good example of how the abuse of power can be used to take over and control a situation.

Judges 8:22-35 – The Lord Rules!

Read Judges 8:22-35

It would have been easy for Gideon to take credit for the success of his mission. The people certainly saw him as a leader they wanted to follow. But Gideon knew where his power had come from when he said this. “I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The Lord will rule over you!” I respect Gideon for that, don’t you?

I can think of several times in my life when it would have been very easy to take a bow and let the praise just come because of something I had accomplished. While I was the instrument God used, the fact remains that the accomplishment would not have been possible without God. It’s like he loves to be behind the scenes, making us look good. How we respond to God’s goodness speaks of our integrity.

Judges 8:13-21 – Keeping Your Word

Read Judges 8:13-21

Unsure how much time has passed when we read “after this,” but suffice it to say that Gideon remains true to his word. You’ll recall in our last reading that Gideon and his army were turned away by two towns until they could bring the two Midianite kings into custody.

I don’t think of Gideon as a gloating type, but he returned with the two kings in hand and was ready to make a statement. He had warned the leaders of these two towns what would happen to them for not helping him in their time of need. Gideon is going to make good on these promises. This will set a good example for his men.

Judges 8:1-12 – All Hands On Deck

Read Judges 8:1-12

God will prevail with or without us. We see three instances of people questioning or refusing to help Gideon. No matter the level of involvement, God’s victory was set.

It seems the Ephraimites were disgruntled that they were called so late to the party. Perhaps they were thinking about how much more they could have done to help Gideon and his measly 300 men. They didn’t understand that God was making a statement by equipping Gideon with so few.

Judges 7:1-25 – Gideon’s Victory For God

Read Judges 7:1-25

When God shows up, miracles happen. Don’t you love how this story plays out? In the preceding chapter we saw Gideon as being a bit unsure. When God whittled his troops down to a few hundred men, I can’t imagine that did much for Gideon’s confidence. He certainly didn’t want to show up unprepared. But sometimes being overly prepared doesn’t allow for a miracle of God to be experienced to its fullest.

The LORD had proved himself to Gideon on more than one occasion since getting his attention in the winepress. Gideon was beyond asking for more proof, and yet God could sense there was some hesitation. God said to Gideon, “But if you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah. Listen to what the Midianites are saying, and you will be greatly encouraged. Then you will be eager to attack.”

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