Welcome to Wednesday! It’s a blessing to be with you in the Pastor’s Workshop today.
This week we’re concluding our series, “Ready to Reopen?” with a message entitled “Rally Cry”. It’s based on the story of Gideon in Judges 7:15-23.
On Wednesday in the workshop we explore the historical context of the text. Knowing the original settings of a Scripture can provide greater insights into a passage. We also look at contrasts present in a text. Sometimes these internal “dynamic tensions” deepen our understanding of an author‘s intentions.
Since this is our third week in the story of Gideon we’ve already investigated the historical context of this passage (See the blogs from September 9 and 16). Today we’ll look at contrasts present in the character of Gideon found in this Scripture. The transition in his attitude and confidence witnesses to God’s working in his life.
In chapter 6 Gideon was cowardly.
· He was threshing wheat in the winepress.
· God called him to free Israel and he responded that he was the least member in the weakest clan of Israel.
· He tested the angel of the Lord with a sacrificial offering.
· He “tried” God by setting out “fleeces” twice.
· He snuck down to spy on the Midianite camp and overheard conversation between sentries. They spoke of a dream foretelling Israel’s victory.
There is a profound change in Gideon beginning in Chapter 7, verse 15. “When Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshipped…” That experience of worship was a turning point for him.
After that worship notice his leadership. The Scripture says:
· “ he returned to the camp of Israel, and said, “Get up; for the Lord has given the army of Midian into your hand.”
· he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and put trumpets into the hands of all of them, and empty jars, with torches inside the jars,
· he said to them, “Look at me, and do the same; when I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do. 18 When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then you also blow the trumpets around the whole camp,
· and shout, ‘For the Lord and for Gideon!’”
· 19 So Gideon and the hundred who were with him came to the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, when they had just set the watch;
· and they blew the trumpets and smashed the jars that were in their hands. 20 So the three companies blew the trumpets and broke the jars, holding in their left hands the torches, and in their right hands the trumpets to blow;
· and they cried, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!”
· 21 Every man stood in his place all around the camp, and all the men in camp ran; they cried out and fled.
· 23 And the men of Israel were called out from Naphtali and from Asher and from all Manasseh, and they pursued after the Midianites.
The “before” and “after” change in Gideon is profound. All the verbs are “take charge” and “move ahead”. He has become the “Mighty Warrior” God first called him to be.
As readers we note this change. And then we focus on the pivot point. Again, for Gideon this occurred when he worshipped God. I pray worship would allow that same transformational opportunity for us. I pray we can come in vulnerable and rise up strong.
In that blessing of faith, I’ll let you continue to consider this text and its message for you.
And I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow In the Pastor’s Workshop.
Prayer: Gracious God, we thank You that You are with us in every moment of our lives. Not only are You with us, but You are with us to make a difference. You are with us so that we can grow in Your grace and become strong in Your Spirit. Guide us through this Scripture and bless us through our worship each Sunday. Let us become “mighty warriors of witness” for You. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen