April 21 Thurs

Gideon’s 300 Cowards

Judges 7:5~8│And the Lord said to Gideon, “With the 300 men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand, and let all the others go every man to his home.” (7)

Hymn #70 God Is Our Refuge Strong

[Message Video]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxC5nPOmWeg&list=PLOCBKggOTU7yqOj4BUIgI_1Yx-MldYCO-&index=7

Having no background to show off or having nothing that you’ve achieved, there are probably times when you might feel discouraged and wonder if you’ll be able to do anything. Moreover, seeing yourself without power or having no one to rely on, you might lose your strength. And because nothing went right in the past or nothing is taking place even now, you may feel like nothing will work in the future. During those times, what must you hold onto?

1. God Who Works through the Weak
God worked through slaves who didn’t have any background and even used powerless people who were taken captive. Gideon, who comes out in today’s passage, was a logger. Even if you gain the necessities of life that give you comfort; wealth; position and fame; and popularity, you can’t resolve the fundamental anxiety and emptiness that are at the bottom of your heart. Age by age, God fulfills the work of salvation through the weak who know His power and not the background of the world.

2. Those Who Are Moved by God’s Spirit
Through Joseph who was sent as a slave, God showed His power to all the world and all peoples. Through Moses who was adopted, the Israelites who were oppressed and enslaved were liberated from Egypt. Through Samuel, who was separated from his parents like an orphan, God changed the stream of the age. Also, God called David who was a shepherd and raised him as the king who would rule over the nation. Ultimately, God uses those who have His things as their imprints, roots, and nature.

When you discover the “me whom God made,” these answers will begin, and when you find “my God-given things,” His works will begin. In the end, you’ll stand as a witness when you see “my God-given field.”

Dear God, please grant me the grace of being moved by Your Spirit. Through “me”; “my things”; and “my field,” may I be used by You. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

* Who Are You? What Are Your God-Given Things and Your God-Given Field?

● What kind of person are you whom God has made? You are the one who remained to save your family, family line, and the age.

● What are your God-given things? (talents)

● Where is your God-given field?