November 9
Judges 6:1-24
Today's Reading
Judges 6:1-24
Reflection
Pray: "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law."
- 1
What do you learn about God (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways, or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?
- 2
In verses 1-6, the Israelites again did evil in the sight of the Lord; their pattern continues. As a result, how many years did the Lord give the Israelites into the hand of the Midianites? How is the oppression described? What led them to finally cry out to the Lord?
- 3
In response, in verses 7-10, the Lord sent an unnamed prophet to the people. What did he remind them of? What did he call them out on?
- 4
In the remainder of the chapter, we are introduced to Gideon who will be the focus of several chapters to come. According to verses 11-12, what is Gideon doing when the angel of the Lord comes to him? What does the Lord call him? Ponder: We don't want to rush by these two verses. Think about how the people of Israel have been treated by the Midianites. Does this shed light on why Gideon was hiding and beating out wheat in a wine press? Does this sound like a mighty man of valor? Why would God call him this? Could it be the Lord saw who Gideon would become, not who he currently is? Read Ephesians 2:10. Aren't you thankful that God has plans for your life and sees who He has created you to be, even when we do not know it yet? How does this lead you to pray and praise our Lord?
- 5
In verse 13, we see Gideon's despair in the oppression of the Midianites. What are the questions he asks? Ponder: look closely at the downward spiral of Gideon's thoughts as they led him to doubt the Lord. He asks, if the Lord is with us, why has this happened? Where are all God's wonderful deeds and blessings? He does things for others; why not us? God has forsaken us. Isn't this just like us? Unanswered prayers, pain in our lives, and we can spin down into the same despair. Just like Gideon, we can want to trust in the Lord and cling to Him, but our despair takes over our hearts, and we ask, "Where are you, Lord?" Read Psalm 57:1-3. Take refuge in the God who saves.
- 6
In verse 14-15, how does God respond to Gideon's despair? Does Gideon feel much like a warrior?
- 7
In verse 16, what promise does God make to Gideon? In verses 17-18, Gideon asks for a sign. What is the purpose of this request? Ponder: Have you ever felt like Gideon? I am weak and nothing; how can God use me? Gideon's request of a sign was not about his doubt of God, but more about his doubt of himself. He was seeking clarity that God was actually wanting him to do something through him. Read Ephesians 2:10. God has called us to do good works for Him. He can and wants to use us for His glory and our good. How does this lead you to pray?
- 8
In verses 19-24, what sign does the angel of the Lord show Gideon? After this sign, Gideon realizes he has been speaking with the Lord. What is his fear? Gideon was likely thinking of Exodus 33:20, where the Lord says no one can see His face and live. How does the angel of the Lord respond to his fear? What does Gideon call the Lord?
- 9
Ponder: Read Isaiah 26:3-4. Is your mind focused on the Lord and trusting His faithfulness? Peace does not mean our circumstances will always be peaceful. Sometimes the enemy is trying to take us out, like in Gideon's day. The enemy, satan, wants to get us to doubt God cares, to think we are too weak and unimportant to change our circumstances, and rob us of peace. Ask the Lord to help you see the lies of the enemy and keep your eyes fixed on the One who can bring peace even in the storm. How does this lead you to pray?