Glory Be To God

March 2, 2021

And the Lord said to Gideon, “The people who are with you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel claim glory for itself against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ Now therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the people, saying, ‘Whoever is fearful and afraid, let him turn and depart at once from Mount Gilead.’ ” And twenty-two thousand of the people returned, and ten thousand remained.

~Judges 7:2‭-‬3~

If there's one thing God wants us to do it is to glorify His Name. The way He has done this for many years is to use the least likely individual that society claims to be weak to show His power; "So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. But there was no sword in the hand of David."

(I Samuel 17:50)

In Gideon's case God's intention was to use the least amount of men in a single army to conquer a larger army. In this He will receive the glory deserved to Him rather then Israel taking credit for itself. The first thing the Lord tells Gideon is to get rid of the fearful men. I believe this part is rather sad as we learn twenty two thousand men ended up under this category. Only ten thousand remained. God still said this was too many. He added yet another test to find who was valiant to go further. In the end Gideon stood with three hundred men! "Then the Lord said to Gideon, “By the three hundred men who lapped I will save you, and deliver the Midianites into your hand. Let all the other people go, every man to his place.”

(Judges 7:7)

Even though these three hundred men passed the test of bravery and awareness they still will get their victory only through God. The Lord tells us even today to be brave and aware. "Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."

(Matthew 10:31)

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:5)

Even so as we watch and stand brave against the attacks upon us we can rest assured that God will get all the glory in the end. This is why He chooses the ones we least expect for big tasks, because He is a big God who shows Himself being in charge. We can be so grateful that we never need to be afraid no matter what the task God gives us to do. We will always rise above as we trust in Him.

"The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” (Exodus 14:14)

Even as Gideon's army stood the tests, He was still going to fight for the three hundred left. This was His plan all along. We can learn many lessons out of this one glorious story. Fear has no part in battle. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

God reminds us of this time and time again. He wants us to remember He is always right there and if He calls us to it, He will get us through it. He also teaches us that there are strategies on how to fight. As the men were tested at the water, God commanded all men who lapped up water as a dog laps were to be sent away. Those of which who lapped by putting their hand to their mouth were to stay. Why is this? As a soldier you are strapped in gear and armor. Those of which who get down on their knees have to set aside some of their gear to do so and have themselves in a much vulnerable position of getting ambushed. Those of which who use their hands to cup water to their mouth still have their gear fastened where it needs to be and are firmly planted on their feet aware of anything that could be behind them. This is a strategy the Lord was looking for. Total awareness of their surroundings. Just as we are called to today as Christians. Being alert is rather important not just physically but spiritually. The Lord fights our battles but He is calling us to basically "be smart and keep an eye out." It is still a team work after all, not a free ride. "His Lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord." (Matthew 25:21‭)

When the Lord gifts us we are to use it for servanthood, we are to glorify His Name in all that we do. When we wait around or stray from the Lord's advice we may be set aside as the twenty two thousand men were when it comes time for our battle in faith. The end game shall always be the Lord's glory shown to the world. Trusting in His plans, leading by His strategies and honoring Jesus' Name for victory is all we should have our minds focused on. "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us."

(II Corinthians 4:7)

Apart from Him we can do nothing, we may become fearful, unaware and lost in the world as we take our eyes off Jesus and place them onto what is in this world. Let us increase our spiritual eyes as we come across things to not turn our back on that we cannot see. Let us be alert and strong in the Lord and in the power of His might; see Ephesians 6:10. As we follow Jesus we have no need to fear, yet every reason to be watchful for the time is at hand. "But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers." (I Peter 4:7)

"praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints."

(Ephesians 6:18)

Let us not be like those of Gideon's army whom failed the test. Let us be a part of the army of the Lord of Hosts so we may glorify Him. God is the same as He was then. He wants His children to remain at peace, alert and ready. If we are not ready, how then can we be called to what ever He may need of us? "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding."

(Proverbs 3:5)

For His glory will be shown as we do!

Prayer:

El Shaddai, my sufficient God, thank you for the strength that You have placed within me. Lord show me how to be most alert to the wiles around me. I am blessed to not have to fear or worry for You are in control. No matter what You call me to do, just as Gideon, I shall prevail for it is for Your glory not my own. I am pushing through and delcaring to use my talents just as You desire me to. I do not wish to waste them but to grow in them for Your will. I submit my life to You each day and ask for You to guide me in what to do and what to say. I shall endure and stand for my God who already established my victory. I do not wish to be lazy but rather fight the good fight of faith. Thank you for calling me, thank you for loving me. It is an honor to serve You Jesus. I sing songs of praise and war cries as I prepare for what so ever comes next. Show me to walk in love and truth today as I give myself to You as Your vessel. May the glory be always to You. It is in Your Successful Name I pray, Yeshua. Amen.