JULY 8, 2015
Ordinary People
Read:
Judges
6:11–16
We
have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be
of God and not of us. — 2 Corinthians 4:7
Gideon was an ordinary person. His story, recorded in Judges 6,
inspires me. He was a farmer, and a timid one at that. When God called him to
deliver Israel from the Midianites, Gideon’s initial response was “How can I
save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in
my father’s house” (Judg. 6:15). God promised that He would be with Gideon and
that he would be able to accomplish what he had been asked to do (v. 16).
Gideon’s obedience brought victory to Israel, and he is listed as one of the
great heroes of faith (Heb. 11:32).
Many other individuals played a significant part in this plan to
save the Israelites from a strong enemy force. God provided Gideon with 300
men, valiant heroes all, to win the battle. We are not told their names, but
their bravery and obedience are recorded in the scriptures (Judg. 7:5-23).
Today, God is still calling ordinary people to do His work and
assuring us that He will be with us as we do. Because we are ordinary people
being used by God, it’s obvious that the power comes from God and not from us.
Lord, I am just an ordinary
person, but You are an all-powerful God. I want to serve You. Please show me
how and give me the strength.
God uses ordinary people to carry
out His extraordinary plan.
INSIGHT:
Today’s text provides some insight into how
we should view situations for which we feel inadequate. Gideon did not feel
prepared to go into battle against the Midianites who were oppressing Israel.
Responding to Gideon’s understandable concern, God sent the angel of the Lord
to encourage him. He said that Gideon should “go in the strength” he had (Judg.
6:14 niv), but he also said, “I will be with you” (v. 16). When
God calls us to take on a difficult task, we can rely on His strength and power
to help us accomplish it.
Source: Our Daily Bread 2015
