The Story of Gideon Pt 1

Good evening. This evening, you lift up the church service overall. We lift up the nursery, those youngsters there and the ones looking after them, that you would just bless their time, that those who are teaching the children's church there, that you would just give them wisdom and give the youngsters listening ears to hear what you have for them tonight. And we lift up the youth group and the leaders in there, that you would bless their time, and they would just grow in your grace, and we pray that for all of us.

And that you would bless our time of worship and study of your word, and just be glorified, Lord. We thank you. We thank you for your love, your grace, your mercy, your sovereignty, Lord. So we come to you this evening, Lord, just as we are, Lord, desiring to worship you, to give this time to you, Lord, corporately, as we are gathered here to worship and study.

May it have its effect on us tonight. May we look to you, the author, and finish. You are worthy of our faith, Lord. You are worthy of our praise. We thank you, Lord Jesus.

It's a divine love, sacred love, a love that loves us in spite of us.

Let's take two on that first. Whatever state of mind we're in, whatever condition we're facing, whatever circumstance there may be, we want to praise you and adore you for who you are, the God of the universe.

If I didn't say sit in, please do. Sorry about that.

The splintered rejoice, all the earth rejoiced and trembled at. I think I just messed up. It's the Godhead 3 in 1 now, isn't it? The Godhead 3 in 1. Thank you for accepting worship songs even when I screw up words, Lord, and distract. But you're so worthy of our praise, Lord. We love you. We thank you. We honor you tonight. The sinners we are, Lord. We come to you just as we are.

We are thankful and forgiven.

Continue to mold and make us those people you want us to be, Lord. As you are the potter, we're the clay, Lord. May we just be dressed in your hands as you shape us, Lord. As you mold us, as you smooth the lumps out of the clay, Lord. As you make us vessels usable for your good. When we get put in the hood and take shape, Lord, help us through the fire, Lord,

to know that you are. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Amen. And all things are working together for the glory for those who love you and are to call according to your purpose. Because you're using it to bring us closer into your glory and prepare us even more so to be with you when you come to take us home, Lord. We give you thanks in Jesus' name.

It's now our time in your word to anoint Pastor Roy. Allow your Holy Spirit to bring it forth in Jesus' name. Amen. Lord bless you.

If you would open up your Bibles to the book of Judges, chapter 6. Judges, chapter 6. Tonight we come to the story of... Is this thing on? Yeah, we're good. Tonight we come to the story of Gideon. Matter of fact, it's going to take a couple of weeks to get through Gideon. I was really hoping to cover it all in one go, but boy, there's a lot to cover in that story.

It's a pretty fun story. I actually really appreciate the story of Gideon because I find myself relating a lot to Gideon because he kind of struggled with being a particularly brave guy. He was a little timid in the way that he did things. He was a little nervous about the way that he did things. But ultimately, he did what God wanted him to do, even though it really scared the stuffing out of him.

And so tonight we come to that story. Now, the last time that we were together with the children of Israel, they had been set free from the hand. The hand of Jabin and Sisera. God had used three very interesting people to set them free from those particular rulers. Jabin was the king and Sisera was the military leader. And God had used Deborah, who was the prophetess and the judge,

Barak, who was the military leader, and one tough little chick named Jael, who ultimately put an end to Sisera, and they were able to defeat the army. And the last thing that we read in chapter 5 is that the land of Israel had, for 40 years. So 40 years, they were following the Lord. 40 years, they were doing what they were supposed to do. But as we come once again to chapter 6, and we'll see him in the first about 10 verses,

he'll paint the picture of Israel in the time of Gideon. We see that once again, Israel has done evil in the sight of the Lord. And that's exactly how chapter 6, verse 1 starts off. It says, Then the sons of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. And the Lord gave them into the hands of Midian seven years. The power of Midian prevailed against Israel.

Because of Midian, the sons of Israel made for themselves the dens which were in the mountains, and the caves, and the strongholds. For it was when Israel had sown that the Midianites would come up with the Amalekites and the sons of the east, and they would go against them. So they would camp against them and destroy the produce of the earth as far as Gaza and leave no sight. And they would come up with their livestock and their tents, and they would come in like locusts for number.

Both they and their camels were innumerable. And they came into the land to devastate it. So Israel was brought very low because of Midian. And the sons of Israel cried to the Lord. And so as we see the scene, set for us, Israel around the time of Gideon, we see that it starts off like all of the stories and judges have started off. Perhaps you're tired of numbering this or underlining this or putting another star by

it, but usually you keep doing it because I keep taking note of it in my Bible. I think it's important for us to pay attention to that once again, the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord. They kept the cycle going. They didn't break the cycle. They kept the cycle going. They did evil in the sight of the Lord. And because God loved them so much, and I think that's an important thing for us to

remember, is that God loved them so much that he would not let them continue in their sin. I don't know if we always view it that way. I don't know if we always view the book of Judges and the judgment, if you will, that God brings upon the nation of Israel as it being because God loves them so much. But I think that that's an important thing for us to remember because for God to allow us to be in the sight of the Lord, that's an important thing for us to remember.

But I think that that's an important thing for us to remember because for God to allow us to continue in our sin would be the most unloving thing that he could ever do for us. Because for us to continue to live in our sin and rebellion would ultimately cause us to live in destruction. God didn't want the children of Israel to live that way. And so in order to correct them, because after all, we're told in Scripture, he whom God loves, he chastises or he chastens, he corrects.

Because of God's great love for them, he brought in the Midianites to oppress them. And that's exactly what happened to the children of Israel. It said Midian prevailed against them. And because of Midian, the sons of Israel made for themselves dens in the mountains and caves and strongholds. Now, I want you to picture, if you will, exactly what's taking place in Israel at this point in time.

Because of the oppression of the Midianites, they made for themselves. Hiding places. We'll see that in greater detail when we actually talk about Gideon himself. But they had to come up with hiding places. Hiding places where they could do their work. Hiding places where they could hide some of their produce. Hiding places where they would survive. Because the thing that would happen is when Midian would know that it was harvest time in Israel,

they would gather their friends, the Amalekites, and they would come against the nation of Israel. As a matter of fact, they would come against them in great numbers. Did you take note of in verse, let's see, what verse number was that? Did you take note of in verse 5 how many people would come against them? They would come like locusts for number. And did you notice what they wrote in on?

They wrote in on camels. Now, I didn't know this until this particular time. But one of the commentators that I read pointed out that this is historically one of the first times that camels were ever used in warfare. And so camels were able to move swiftly. And, of course, they didn't have to stop very often. Because they carry all their moisture with them.

And these camels were great tools of war that these Midianites had discovered. And what they would do is they would come in. And they would completely work the nation over. And they would take all of their, all the fruit of their harvest. All of their young animals. Everything that they would have for the next year. And they would just absolutely ransack them so that they had no fruit to show for their harvest.

And can we just for a moment spiritualize this for just a second? And remember that that's exactly what sin does to us. Is it takes away all of our sustenance. Is it takes away all of our substance. It takes away all of our life. And it sucks all of the joy out of everything. And that which was meant to be fruitful has actually become nothing but death. Because that's what sin does to us.

That's the consequences of sin in our lives. Is it causes us to look a lot more hollow. Because ultimately it has sucked all of the goodness out of me. That's why when David was caught in his sin. Those are some of the exact same words that he said. He said I couldn't lift my head up any longer. Because of the sin that he found himself caught in. And that's exactly what happens to the nation of Israel.

As a matter of fact. If you weren't sure exactly how bad it was for the nation of Israel. Verse 6 states it very plainly. So Israel was brought very low. Because of. I don't know why. But for some reason that particular phrase stuck out. As I was reading this particular time. Matter of fact I underlined it. Because I thought what an interesting statement. Especially coupled with what comes right after it.

Because have you ever noticed. That what it takes for us to cry out to the Lord. Is to be brought. Very low. You ever notice that? You ever notice that the thing that we always say is. We've got nothing left to do but. Pray. That's all that there's left to do. Now. Because we've been brought. Very low. And can I make a bold statement. This is the place that God wanted to bring them to.

Because you see if God does not break us in our sin. If we are never brought low in our sin. Then unfortunately we will never. Cry out. To Jesus. One of the greatest things that can happen. For anyone who's living in the world right now. For anyone who is living apart from Christ right now. Is for them to be brought low in their sin. You say Ryan that's so mean.

No it's actually the most merciful thing that God can do for someone. Actually success in sin is one of the most. One of the meanest things that God can allow to happen to anyone. As a matter of fact. If you see someone who is successfully living in their sin. I would tell you that. We are seeing someone that God is potentially in the process of turning his back on.

Because he is no longer bringing them low. In their sin. While that's absolutely true. If that's absolutely true of the world. It's even more true of the believer in Jesus Christ. One of the greatest things that can happen to us. If we're living in sin. Is to be brought very low. Because once we've hit rock bottom. The only place to turn. Is up. When you're at the bottom of a well.

All you can do. Is look up to the light. That's exactly what the children of Israel do. So Israel was brought very low because of Midian. And the sons of Israel. Cried. To the Lord. I hope you're underlining that every time it comes up too. Because while unfortunately the cycle of sin. Is always taking place for the children of Israel. The unending grace. And faithfulness of God.

Is always true. For the nation of Israel. And it's just as much true for us. And so they cry out to the Lord. And I want you to notice the first thing that happens. When they cry out to the Lord. Verse 7. And it came about when the sons of Israel cried to the Lord. On account of Midian. That the Lord. Sent a prophet to the sons of Israel. And he said to them.

Thus says the Lord. The God of Israel. It was I who brought you up from Egypt. And brought you out from the house of slavery. I delivered you from the hands of the Egyptian. And from the hands of all your oppressors. And dispossessed them from before you. And gave you their land. And I said to you. I am the Lord your God. And you shall not fear the gods of the Amorite.

In whose land you lived. But you have not obeyed me. Now in my translation. There's a period at the end of that. I feel like there should maybe be an exclamation point. At the end of that. But you have not obeyed me. I find it interesting. Because this hasn't happened in the other times of the judges. Other times God. The children of Israel cry out to the Lord.

And God provides them a deliverer. A judge. And the judge delivers them. But this particular time. God sent a prophet first. Why did God send a prophet first? Because he wanted them to understand. That their economic downturn. That their. Their oppression. The fact that they had been brought very low. Had nothing to do with governmental decisions. It had nothing to do with the fact.

That they were just in an economic downturn. It had nothing to do with the fact. That the nation was in the midst of a recession. It had everything to do with the fact. That the nation had turned their back on God. And they had disobeyed God. And he didn't want there to be any mistaking. Exactly why they were in the position. That they were in right then. That it was not because of bad decisions.

On the part of those in power. And in charge. It wasn't even because of the Midianites. It was because of the disobedience. Of the nation of Israel. And he wanted them to be well aware of that. Because in order for them to be delivered. They needed to understand. What they needed delivered from. They didn't need delivered from the Midianites. They needed delivered from sin.

And too many times. We are always looking. To deal with the symptoms. And we're not willing to deal with the disease. We're always looking. We're always looking to deal with the symptoms. But we never want to really deal with the root. Of the problem. I'm really good at this when I get sick. I like to deal with all of the symptoms. Right? Instead of actually dealing with the root of the problem.

Because that will usually mean I have to stop. Go to the doctor. Get diagnosed. Get medicine. I don't like doing any of those things. Right? But if you never get to the root of the problem. Then you never actually deal with the problem. And he wanted the nation of Israel to not deal with the symptoms. But to deal instead with the root. And the root was their sin.

And now knowing that. They are ready for God to send a deliverer. Notice what it says. Because now the rest of the chapter. Will be the call of Gideon. Then the angel of the Lord. Verse 11. Came and sat under the oak. That was in Ophrah. Which belonged to Joash. The Abiezrite. As his son Gideon was beating out wheat. In the wine press. In order to save it from the Midianite.

Then the angel. Of the Lord appeared to him. And said to him. The Lord is with you. O valiant warrior. If you don't know very much about agriculture. That's not going to mean very much to you. But what Gideon was just called here. Is an absolute contradiction in terms. Because of where he is and what he's doing. Now remember. Every time there was a harvest in the nation of Israel.

Who showed up? The Midianites. Right? The Midianites and the Amalekites. They absolutely destroyed them. So the people hid themselves in dens and in caves and in strongholds. In the mountains. Right? So that hopefully they could hide some of the harvest from the Midianites. Well so now the angel of the Lord shows up. To visit this guy by the name of Gideon.

And he's in the plain of Ophrah. Which is a very dry area. And he is in a wine press. Threshing the wheat. Those two things usually take place in very opposite situations. A wine press is usually down in a valley. Threshing wheat usually takes place on a hillside. Threshing wheat takes place on a hillside. Threshing wheat takes place on a hillside. Threshing wheat takes place on a hillside.

Threshing wheat takes place on a hillside. So that when they thresh it. They throw it up in the air. And the wind. Which is much greater on a hillside. At the top of a hill. The wind can come by and carry away the chaff. And the grain can fall back down. You know where there's not a lot of wind? Down in the valley. Why is Gideon threshing wheat in the place that you're not supposed to thresh wheat?

Because he's scared of the Midianites. Because he knows that if they see him threshing wheat. They're going to come along and take all of his harvest. And so in his fear. He's in the place where he knows. He never should be doing a job. That belongs in a different spot. And the angel of the Lord shows up. And what does the angel of the Lord say? The Lord is with you.

O valiant warrior. I don't know how you picture Gideon. But I don't picture Gideon as an overly. What do you want to say? Physically intimidating sort of guy. Right? Same basketball tournament that I was at the other day. There was a. There was a to do. There was a situation. Where there was a. There was almost two people about to go to. As they would say in olden times.

It looked like they were about to go to fisticuffs. Right? And we were all like. Eating popcorn and watching. Like oh man. What's going on over there? And this security guard walks up. He's not an overly big guy. But that's okay. You don't have to be a big guy to be a security guard. But he walks up like this. And he made me look pretty thick. Right? And so he kind of walks up there like this.

And I'm going. Hmm. I don't think so. Well at least so Tim. And not a lot of. Physical.

Forcefulness going on with this particular young man. That's kind of how I picture Gideon. You know why? Because God chooses unlikely people to do his work. Anyway. So. He comes to Gideon. He calls him a valiant warrior. Why does he call him a valiant warrior? If he's hiding. Down in the valley. Threshing wheat. So that the Midianites. Won't find him. Why does he call him a valiant warrior?

Because he knows that that. May not be who he is right now. But it is. Who by God's grace. He will be. Isn't that great? Because God never calls us who we are. He calls us who by God's grace. He's going to make us. That's why he calls you holy. Right? It's not because that's who you are. But who by God's grace. He has made you. So he calls him a valiant warrior.

And then Gideon said to him. Oh my Lord. Verse 15 or verse 13. Oh my Lord. If the Lord is with us. Why. Has all of this. Happened. Where are all of his miracles. Which our father told us about saying. Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt. But now the Lord has abandoned us. And given us. Into the hand of Midian. You know what I appreciate about Gideon right here.

Is he's just. He's just flat out honest. I don't know that he fully realizes who he's talking to just yet. And I'll tell you why in just a few minutes. I don't think he fully realizes who he's talking to just yet. But Gideon articulates. What many of us think on the internet. Have you ever found yourself looking around and going. Where's all the miracles. Where's the God who we thought.

Could do the most amazing things in the world. I would remind you of something. Remember what we are told in the book of Isaiah. God's arm is not short. That he cannot save. Nor his ear. That he cannot hear. But it is your sin. That has separated you. From the Lord. Why sometimes do we not see God move. In the way that we want him to move. Well perhaps there is something between us and God.

Or perhaps there is a situation that God is dealing with. That we don't see at that particular point in time. And so Gideon says. Where's God? Why did he abandon us? The angel of the Lord never really answers why. He only answers what. And that's what Gideon is supposed to do. Verse 14. And then the Lord looked at him and said. Go in this your strength. And deliver Israel from the hand of Midian.

Have I not sent you? He said to him. Oh Lord. How shall I deliver Israel? Behold my family is the least in Manasseh. And I am the youngest. In my father's house. But the Lord said to him. Surely I will be with you. And you shall defeat. Midian. As one man. The first statement was this. Go. Go out and defeat Midian. He doesn't answer why. Why has all of this happened?

Why aren't we seeing the miracles of God? Because you know why? Sometimes God doesn't answer why. He answers what. What is he going to do? What are you going to do now? What are you going to do with what God has to tell you? The secret things belong to God. The revealed things belong to us. He says this is what I want you to do. I want you to go out and deliver Israel from the hand of Midian.

And of course. Gideon responds. It sounds like most of the people that are called by God respond. And he says. Why me? I'm the youngest. I'm the least in my family. We're the least of the tribe of Manasseh. You're choosing the wrong guy. Now I found it interesting in our reading this week. As I was studying this. I thought doesn't it go along really well with our reading this week.

At least where I am in the reading. A little behind in Exodus. I'm just going to be honest with you about that. A day behind in Exodus. But I just read. When Moses. When Moses was being told by God. Go talk to Pharaoh. Tell him to let my people go. And Moses is like. I mean that's a great idea and everything. Super glad you heard the people. Glad you care. Glad you're going to deliver.

I'm not the guy. You ever notice that's how most of the people that God wants to use. Respond. You know why? Because we don't want to be the guy. Because in order for us to be the guy. It means we have to take a really major step of faith. And I'm really content with everybody else in the world taking a step of faith. I will applaud it. Right? But if I have to take the step of faith.

I'm like. Seems like the wrong thing to do. When really. God is calling the least of us. To do what God wants. But isn't it kind of fascinating how God responds to him. He says. I will be with you. And that reminded me of another portion of our reading. I want you to think about this. We were reading about Jesus feeding the 5,000. Remember that story? Jesus was ministering to people.

There's 5,000 men. Plus women and children. And they said. Jesus you need to send the people away. It's getting late. And they're getting hungry. And Jesus looked at his disciples. And he said. You feed them. Kind of like when God said to Gideon. You set the people free. You deliver them from the hand of Gideon. And they looked at Jesus. And they said. But all we've got is these five loaves.

And these two little fish. What's that amongst so many? But Lord you don't understand. I'm the youngest. We're the least of the tribe of Manasseh. I'm the last guy that you could ever use. I don't have what it takes. All I've got is these five loaves. And these two little fish. I don't have what it takes. What is that with so many? Do you remember what Jesus said to his disciples?

He said. Give them to me. Give them to me. And they made everybody sit down. And Jesus prayed. And he broke the bread. And he starts handing it out. And pretty soon. 5,000 people. Plus the women and children. Were all fed with five loaves and two little fish. So much so that literally in the Greek. It says that they were glutted. They were stuffed. Because they ate so much.

Out of what was so little. As I was writing about this in my journal this morning. I just wrote. Lord you can take what is insufficient. And make it more than enough. Because of who you are. And you know what God was going to do with Gideon? He was going to take this man. Who was insufficient. And make him more than enough. Because of who God is. And I'm here to tell you right now.

God wants to use every single person in this room. He just wants you to take a step of faith. God wants to use every single person. Who's a believer in Jesus Christ. Watching me online tonight. You just have to take a step of faith. And you may be going. Lord you don't understand. I don't have what it takes. Good. You're on the right page. Because the moment that you think you've got what it takes.

You can't be used by God. But if you say Lord I don't have what it takes. He'll say. But I've got everything that you need. And that's what he tells Gideon. He says. I will be with you. Because I am a zero sum game. But me plus Jesus. Is more than I would ever need. Because Jesus is more. Than we can ever need. Because he is sufficient. And so. He says. Verse 16.

Surely I will be with you. And you shall defeat Midian as one man. So Gideon said to him. If I have found favor in your sight. Show me a sign. That it is you. Who speak with me. Now I think he's starting to understand. That there's a little bit more going on here. Please do not depart from here. Until I come back to you. And bring out my offering and lay it before you.

And he said I will remain here until you return. Gideon went in and prepared a young goat. And unleavened bread from an ephah of flour. He put the meat in a basket. And the broth in a pot. And brought them out to him under the oak. And presented them. And the angel of God said to him. Take the meat and the unleavened bread. And lay them on this rock. And pour out the broth.

And he did so. Then the angel of the Lord put out the end of the staff. That was in his hand. And he touched the meat. And the unleavened bread and fire sprang up from the rock. And consumed the meat. And the unleavened bread. Then the angel of the Lord vanished from his sight. Well that would seal the deal for me. How about you? He says I want to know that it's you.

Listen we need to understand something. God honors honest questions. He really does. I tell people all the time. God is not insecure. God is not concerned that. He's not going to be able to prove himself right. That's why when people start defending their faith. I go don't. You don't have to try too hard. Right? I believe it was C.H. Spurgeon that said. Defend God.

How do I need to defend God? I can defend God like I defend a lion. All I have to do is let him out of its cage. He'll take care of everything else. Right? And so we don't need to try to defend God. Because he takes care of everything. God is not insecure. And he can always honor the honest questions that we come to him with. And when it comes to seeking God's direction.

Saying Lord I need to know this is you. And not me. I don't want it to be bad pizza. Or just my idea. I want to know that this is you. And that's okay. It's okay to seek a sign from God. And that's what he does. And so what does he do? He says let me bring you a sacrifice. So he goes and gets meat. And he gets bread. And he gets broth. And he pours them all onto this rock.

The angel of the Lord. Who I believe is none other than Jesus Christ himself. Stretches out that rod. And what happens when he stretches out the rod to touch it? Fire consumes it. It's kind of interesting isn't it? That a sacrifice is what he brings to God. A sacrifice that in my opinion. Seems really similar to a fellowship offering. Where do we find our greatest understanding of where God wants us to go?

In fellowship with him. If I want to know the heart of God. Then I should be in fellowship with God. If I want to know the direction of God. Then I should be in fellowship with God. After all if my ears are tuned into him. Then I have no problem hearing when he directs me. And that's exactly what he does. And then after it's all consumed. The angel of the Lord disappeared.

And at this point in time he's going. Oh man there's a whole lot more going on here than I realized. Notice what it says. Verse 22. When Gideon saw that he was the angel of the Lord. He said alas oh Lord. For now I have seen the angel of the Lord. Face to face. The Lord said to him peace to you. Do not fear. You shall not die. Then Gideon built an altar there.

To the Lord and named it. The Lord is peace. To this day. It is still an ophrah of the Abiezrites. Now on the same night the Lord said to him. Take your father's bull. And a second bull seven years old. And pull down the altar of Baal. Which belongs to your father. And cut down the Asherah that is beside it. And build an altar to the Lord your God. On the top of this stronghold in an orderly manner.

And take a second bull. And offer a burnt offering with the wood of the Asherah. Which you shall cut down. Then Gideon took ten men of his servants. And did as the Lord had spoken to him. Because he was too afraid of his father's household. And the men of the city to do it by day. He did it by night. This is why I like Gideon. Right. So Gideon's first mission is this.

God says I want you to go. And I want you to get your father's bull. And another bull that is seven years old. And I want you to go. And pull down. Did you notice who the altar belonged to? Your father's altar to Baal. And the Asherah pole that he has. You know what that tells me? Gideon was well acquainted with the idolatry of the day. Because it was a part of the home that he grew up in.

Somehow Gideon had an ear for the things of God. Even though he grew up in an idolatrous home. Isn't it amazing? How God can speak to someone. Even if the home that they grow up in isn't the greatest place in the world. Even if the home that they grow up in is full of idolatry. And isn't it interesting that revival for Gideon had to start in his own house. It had to start with his own family.

Now I don't think we can run by this too fast without drawing a really important conclusion. And that's that brothers and sisters. If we want to see revival in our culture. It should probably start. With our family. Because it's really hard to go out and preach revival to the rest of the world. If revival is not taking place in my house. If revival is not taking place in my family.

And that usually is the place where God wants to start. Another thing that we read about Moses this week. Was that Moses was on his way back. I remember this story. He was on his way back to Egypt. And the angel of the Lord showed up to kill Moses. And you're going. What? Why is that? Moses just got called. Why is the angel of the Lord going to kill him? And then Moses' wife comes out and circumcises their sons.

We realize why. Because if Moses was to lead the children of Israel. His house had to be in order. His house had to be right. If he was going to be the one that was going to lead. And that's exactly what happened. And so we see that revival starts in the house. Here's what I love the most. Is that Gideon, the valiant warrior that he was, didn't win. At night.

Why? Because he feared the people. I read one commentator. And I just, I'm sure that I love them. I don't remember which one it was. And I respect all the guys that I read a great deal. But I'm like, I don't agree with that at all. It's like, undoubtedly he did it because he knew that the men would stop him. And he needed to make sure that he had a clear path to do it.

I'm like, no, he did it because he thought they were going to kill him. Right? He was scared. So he did it at night. Brothers and sisters, you may have to do the work at night. But do it anyway. Maybe that first step of faith that you take is so fearful that you say it like this. Jesus saves. Right? And you're like, yes, I told him. Go tell that guy about Jesus.

Jesus saves. Boom. And you're gone. Right? But you still took the step. God honors even the most timid steps of faith that we take. Isn't that great? Because at this point in time, you would think he'd be like, well, you're not a valiant warrior anymore. You did it at night. Go back and do it the right way or don't do it at all. Right? That's what we would be like.

And God's like, good. Now I've got another step for you. He did it at night, but he still did it. So he goes and does this. And notice the reaction. It says, Oh, no, he didn't. Which had been built. Verse 29. And they said to one another, who did this thing? And when they searched about and inquired, they said, Gideon, the son of Joash, did this thing. All right, I have a question right now.

How'd they figure that out? It wasn't like somebody had a ring doorbell. Right? It wasn't like they were like, oh, I just pulled up the camera. It's Gideon. Right? I mean, no. How did they know? I don't know. They figured it out, though. Maybe they knew that Gideon was the only guy that worshipped the one true God. And they're like, I bet it was Gideon. Kid's been a loser his whole life following that stupid God.

And now look what he's done to us. He tore down the ark. He tore down the ark. He tore down the ark. He tore down the ark. And so they're ready to kill him. Notice what it says. It says, The altar, by the way, that belonged to his dad, Joash. And indeed, he has cut down the Asherah, which is beside it. And Joash said to all who stood against him, Will you contend for Baal?

Or will you deliver him? Whoever will plead for him shall be put to death by morning. If he is a God, let him contend for himself, because someone has torn down his altar. Therefore, on that day, he named him Jerob Baal. That is to say, let Baal contend again. Because he had torn down his altar. This is a great scene. They come to Joash, who had the altar, who clearly was an idolater himself.

They come to him and are like, we're going to kill your son. Because he tore down the altar, the altar that you helped us build. And he cut down the Asherah pole. And Joash goes, well, now let's think about this. If Baal's really a God, can't he fight his own battles? If Baal's really a God, do you really need to defend him? Anybody that goes after myself? My son, and tries to defend Baal, will be dead by morning.

Huh. A little change of heart on the part of Gideon's dad. Now, when we first started Judges, in chapter 1, we saw all of the defeat that was taking place. And we said something. We said that failure begets failure. That when you are around people who tend to go in with the things of sin, you have a tendency to... to cower to the lowest common denominator. Therefore, failure begets failure.

But I would say that the reverse is also true. Revival begets revival. When one person is willing to make a stand, when one person is willing to make even the most timid of stand, it's amazing how people will gather around them. It's amazing how it will have a trickle-down effect. And brothers and sisters, this is why children's ministry is one of the most important ministries we have in this church.

This is why I wholeheartedly believe that kids need to be down there learning what God's Word has to say on a level that they can understand because you have no idea the influence that kids have on their households. I love that we have kids that come from this neighborhood whose parents don't have anything to do with this church. They just show up. I love that kids come to VBS whose parents have nothing to do with church and they just show up.

You know why? Because they're taking that message home to their parents. Do you know I've now been a part of two churches that have families that attend the church that got saved because their son got saved or their daughter got saved? And then the entire family got saved. You know why? Because revival begets revival. Dads, it would be great if it starts with you,

but if it can't start with you, maybe it can start with your kids. Maybe it can start with your kids saying, you know what, maybe we should have family devotions. It was great the other night. Sunday evening, we were sitting around talking and talking. You know, I was coming down off the fact that the Chiefs are in the AFC Championship again. It was amazing.

And as we're sitting around and discussing that, my oldest daughter goes, hey, I've got some homework to finish up. Can we go ahead and do family devotions? And I was like, my oldest daughter was the one that brought that up. It was her idea. What an amazing thing. I love it. Because it's a good reminder for me, hey, don't let that go because they're paying attention.

And they want that in their lives. Revival begets revival. And when you start to make a stand, the people around you start to make a stand. Because all of a sudden they go, you know what, it's okay. It's okay to follow Jesus. Because I'm not alone. But man, sometimes taking that stand is a hard thing, but brothers and sisters, do it. Do it because revival tends to have

a trickle-down effect as well. And the people around you are always, are always affected by it. You know, I don't know how many of you saw the Jesus Revolution movie. But you know, a lot of that centered around Greg Laurie and his somewhat tumultuous relationship with his mom. You know that his mom ended up getting saved, right? He was able to lead his mom to the Lord.

Because revival begets revival. It's just all that there is to it. And that's what happens here. Gideon's dad sees what's going on and he's like, you know what, come at me because clearly Baal can't defend himself. And who knows, maybe Gideon's dad got himself right with the Lord after this too. And so it says, therefore on that day they named him Jerob Baal.

I love that Gideon got a nickname out of this, right? You know what Jerob Baal means? He who contends with Baal. Isn't that great? He who fights against Baal basically is what it is. He was the Baal fighter. What a great nickname for a guy who's about to take down the Midianites. And so he gets this new nickname. Sort of the Rambo of his day. It says in verse 33,

then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the sons of the east assembled themselves and they crossed over and they camped in the valley of Jezreel. Battle lines are starting to get drawn, but notice what happens in verse 34. So the spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon and he blew a trumpet and the Abiezrites were called together to follow him. And he sent messengers saying, I will send messengers throughout Manasseh.

And they were also called together to follow him. And he sent messengers to Asher and to Zebulun and to Naphtali and they came up to meet him. And what did it all start with? A message from God, a small act of obedience and the overwhelming power of the spirit of the Lord. Now, it would be amazing if right now we just jumped straight into Gideon going to battle.

But you see Gideon is still a human being. Gideon is still a man. He struggles with being a little bit fearful. So notice what happens next. Gideon puts out a fleece. It says in verse 36, then Gideon said to God, if you will deliver Israel through me, as you have spoken, behold, I will put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece only

and it is dry on all the ground, then I will know that you will deliver Israel through me as you have spoken. Now, let's go back and recount everything that's happened for Gideon, right? Things have gone really well up till now. Number one, the angel of the Lord showed up to talk to him, gave him his mission. Number two, the angel of the Lord used his magic stick,

right, and caught all of the sacrifice on fire. He has his sign from God. God was gracious and gave him a sign. And then he was given his first mini mission to go on, which was successful. You would think at this point in time, he would just move forward into obedience. You see, it's a pretty major undertaking that he has right now. After all, how many people of the Amalekites

and the Midianites usually come against them? Numerous as the locusts. And they were all on camels. So he needs a little more confirmation. So what's he say? Listen, here's the deal, God. I realize what you said, and I'm not saying I doubt you. I'm not saying I don't doubt you. I'm gonna put out a fleece. Perhaps you've heard this phrase before. You ever heard of somebody saying,

let's put out a fleece, see what God wants to do. You ever heard anybody use that phrase before? So he puts out this fleece. He says, Lord, if there is dew on the fleece, and it's dry everywhere else around it, I will know 100% that you want me to go and defeat the Midianites. Even though God had said, go defeat the Midianites. Even though God said, I'll go with you to defeat the Midianites.

Even though God consumed the sacrifice to give him the sign. Even though God had given him success on his very first mission. But if you do this, I'll know for sure. And so it says, verse 38, and it was so when he arose early the next morning and he squeezed the fleece. He drained the dew full of fleece, a bowl full of water. Then Gideon said, don't let your anger burn against me

that I may speak once more. Please let me make a test. Once more with the fleece. Let it now be dry only on the fleece and let there be dew on all the ground. And God did so that night, for it was dry only on the fleece and the dew was on all the ground. I love it. He goes, I just need this one sign. Make the fleece wet and the ground dry, and I will know 100% that I'm supposed to go to battle.

And that happens. And he's like, so here's the thing, God. Right? It's like talking to a five-year-old, right? Do you really want me to clean my room? Yes, I want you to clean your room. Now, are you sure that's what you want? Yes, I'm sure that's what I want you to do. Are you? Okay, talk to me. How clean are we talking? Oh my gosh, just go clean your room, right?

God is so patient. I would have smacked him by now. At this point in time, I'm going to go like, do it. God didn't do that. He said, okay, I realize you did the whole fleece thing once. Let's do it again. One more time, just for safety's sake, right? Just for good measure. If the fleece is dry and the ground is wet, then I'll know. And you know what? God did it.

He made the fleece dry and the ground wet. Now, I got a couple of things to say about fleeces. There's some mixed opinions on this. Some people are like, you should put out a fleece and see what God wants you to do. I tend to not be that sort of a guy. Because at this point in time, he received a sign from the Lord. And God was not upset with that at all. As a matter of fact, God met it head on and was completely fine with it.

Honestly, he did the same thing with the fleece. But at some point in time, after a direct command and a sign is given from God, at some point in time, you need to take care of business or get off the toilet, right? At some point in time, you just got to do what you got to do. But God was patient with him. Here's the problem with putting out a fleece. You always need one more.

You always need one more sign, right? Listen, there's nothing wrong with a sign, especially if it's coupled with God's command. But the problem is when we start seeking only the sign, and then we're no longer concerned with obedience. That's the problem with putting out a fleece. When God's given the command, he's confirmed the command, then you need to go through with the command and not keep going,

okay, Lord, but maybe just one more thing, right? So that's always the problem with the fleece. But here's the cool thing. God is so gracious and patient with our weakness. He kept telling Gideon over and over again, no, I want you to do this. No, I want you to move forward with this. And I appreciate that because as much as it's fun to joke about Gideon, man, I'm a lot like Gideon.

I can sure be just like him and go, okay, Lord, but here's the thing. Are you sure that's what you want me to do? Are you sure this is the right thing? Are you sure? Because we're talking, this is a serious step I'm taking here. And before I take the step, I want to know that it's you. I'm not a good decision maker. And eventually God's like, I think you know what you're supposed to do.

I remember having to make a very hard decision one time, and I kept putting fleeces out before the Lord. And I will never forget a very wise man in my life saying, Brian, deep down, you know what you're supposed to do. I think it's time to do it. And I'm so glad that I listened. And eventually, though God is gracious and patient with us, when God's leading us to do something,

deep down we know we're supposed to do it, and now it's time to do what God has told us to do. And next week, we'll look and see how God continues to show himself mighty on Gideon's behalf as we look at the second half of the story. Amen? Let's pray. Father, we come before you, and I thank you. I thank you that you've written these things down for us. For our admonition and for our instruction.

And Lord, may we take the stands that you call us to take. Father, it's so hard. In the world we live in, it's easy to be timid and to step back and say, oh, I don't want to be the one that takes that step. But Lord, when it comes right down to it, your word reminds us that you have not given us a spirit of fear, but of love and of power and of a sound mind.

And so, Lord, as we hear that still small voice saying, here's the next step I want you to take, walk in it. May we take the steps of faith, resting in the fact that you will be with us. Father, we thank you and we praise you in Jesus' name. Amen. Be blessed.