JANUARY 19, 2010

CAN GOD USE SOMEONE LIKE ME?

Scripture Reading--Judges 6:1-13

Because of their sins, the Israelites were oppressed by the Midianites. In their bondage, the Israelites cried out to the Lord for deliverance. God put His hand on Gideon, whom He chose to liberate His covenant people. Gideon was an unlikely man who did extraordinary things.

The Lord met Gideon while he was threshing wheat by the winepress. Why was Gideon at the winepress with his wheat? Because he feared the Midianites were going to steal his crop. Do you get the picture? God chose one who lacked the qualities of greatness that normally accompany mighty exploits. The Lord specializes in using weak things to confound the powerful ( 1 Cor. 1:27 ).

God chose Gideon. The angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon. Bible scholars tell us the "angel of the Lord" refers to Christ. Here we find an appearance of Jesus in the Old Testament. When God selects weak vessels to perform mighty deeds, He is guaranteed to get the credit! God uncovered His plan by selecting one who was hiding his wheat.

God called Gideon. "And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midinites: have not I sent thee?" ( Judg.6:14 ) Upon hearing these words, Gideon made excuses. "Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house" ( v. 15b ). Because his family was insignificant and because he was insecure, Gideon reasoned, surely he was not the man for the job.

God confirmed Gideon. "And the Lord said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man" ( v. 16 ). Gideon needed assurance, so God verified His call by speaking directly to Gideon and by giving him a vision of victory.

PRINCIPLES TO CONSIDER: God uses unlikely people to do extraordinary things. You are here for a special purpose. Background, lack of finances, and inexperience are not hindrances to fulfilling your mission. What mission has the Lord laid on your heart?

--Harold Vaughan--

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN " 1 " YEAR: Job cc. 11-13

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST: The Ron Taylor Family celebrates his graduation into the Glory land today...please be much in prayer for the family!