Hobie

I have discovered as I walk with the Lord that the relationship he wants to have with me (a) should glorify him first and always ( should be based on total faith and trust in him © should be based on going to him first. Things work out for the better, problems are solved and relationships are healed and grow, if I keep these in mind. That is what is happening in this passage. The relationship God has with Gideon is going to glorify God first and bring Gideon (and the army) to a point of total faith and trust in the living God. This will all lead Gideon to a point where he will go to God first. It won't work if Gideon (and his army) think their size and strength resulted in success. So why do we slip? Why do we all intellectually and spiritually affirm this but we lose the grip? Because the world (and its master, Satan) are constantly bombarding us with "alternatives" to God and to reliance on him. Father, thank you for being faithful to us. Thank you for being there for us, every step of the way. Bring us to point where we turn to you first, always, everyday, all day.

Q1. Why does Gideon put out a fleece before the Lord -- twice? Is this a sign of unbelief or of belief? This is a "testing" of God? How does it differ from the sinful testings of God the scripture warns against? I am sure Gideon asked for the proof in the pudding because he didn't want to go charging off without some assurance he wasn't getting the wrong message/signal. Gideon is a new believer and perhaps this is normal; especially with such a big assignment. I don't think it is a test of whether God can or cannot do something. "God, I will believe you if you turn this car into a goat." No, I believe it is Gideon look for assurance that he is getting the right message. However I am having a difficult time reconciling why God was not bothered with this. In Luke 1:19 Zechariah is silenced by Gabriel for questioning the assignment he is given. Can anyone help me? Father forgive me for my lack of faith. Fill my faith cup to the brim. Let me not question your wisdom, guidance or the path you have chosen for me.

No doubt Joash has been both an ineffective leader in the community, a poor example of a leader at home and one who has compromised himself in order to be a friend to all. Sounds like most of our politicians. Sounds like many of us. I think that it is interesting how God uses our children to get to us. We have all found ourselves dumbfounded, speechless, back peddling and/or ashamed after hearing a noble comment or question from our children. "Dad, if eating right is so important to me, why are you...?" Dad, if following the lord is vital, why aren't we...?" The list goes on. Father thank you for providing me with healthy children who are following you. Annoint them with wisdom and use them Lord to keep me on your path.

Q3. Can a person be a "disobedient disciple"? Doesn't that represent an oxymoron? Did Gideon have a choice here? Do we have choices? In the sense that we are human, and suffering from the same disease (sin) then yes, we can be "disobedient disciples." However, and this is where the "hair splitting" comes in, if you are actively and deliberately disobeying his will, then I would say you are not a disciple. You have "chosen" another path (another God?). Yes, we have choices, and our choices are quite often manifestations of just how good we are as disciples. I often wrestle with the issue of what exactly his plan is for me. That is even more apparent as I write this from Bagram, Afghanistan. But I have found that if we continue to pray for his guidance, constantly look for his path (and don't stress about the whole thing, just wade into the water and let it take you downstream) then it is more often than not, revealed. Father I long to be an obedient disciple. Guide me. Enlighten me. Mark your path for me. Highlight the forks in the road and stear me in direction you have scripted for me.

When you are about to embark on something new and different (e.g. following God's path for you) it often starts with (and he often starts you out with) a small step. Now, tearing down the alter might not seem like a small step but it is certainly a lot smaller than his next task (kicking the Midianites out of their land). Why at night? I don't think it was necessarily either a step of faith or cowardice. It may have been the only time he could do it. Think of the opposition he would have confronted if he had tried to destroy it during the day light hours. Yes, God could have made it happen anyway. However, this was Gideon's test. Father, fill my faith cup so that I may step onto your path with courage and deliberate conviction, knowing that you are right there with me. S.

I am simply not convinced Gideon had a low self image. He may have had a lack of trust in what can be accomlished with the God of the universe on his team but, I cannot see where he had a low self image compared to his peers (which is how I take the context of the question and discussion). Yes indeed, we constantly fail to remember that "for nothing is impossible with God." (Luke 1:37) adn I think this is the key. Along our path with him, we reinforces this. As we shall see in a few passages, God forces Gideon to cut his forces so that he cannot take credit. This also reinforces with me that God is the only guy you need on your team. Heavenly father, you are the potter and I am the clay; the creater of the universe; the author and finisher of life. To you oh lord I lift up my soul; in you I trust oh my God. Fill my faith cup to the brim so that I may never doubt that you or your plans for me. My life is yours.

Yes, God say Gideon as a might man of valor. A warrior. Clear. But I have been sitting here thinking about perons in the Bible who have been instruments of God's plan. Harlots. Shepards. How about Mary? It is not just enough to say that God has great plans for us and that he sees us differently. HE WANTS TO USE ALL OF US AS INSTRUMENTS OF HIS GOOD AND PERFECT WILL. I also think it is odd/funny that Gideon actually "tested" God. Three times in these chapters (I think it is three) he "tests" God to make sure he is not being duped. God shows patience with Gideon. I can almost see God smiling. This is an interesting contrast to Zechariah's question to the angel Gabriel in Luke 1:19 when Zechariah loses his voice for questioning Gabriel. Oh boy do we have a patient God!!

I think that one of the points to be pulled out of this passage is not only the commandmant they broke but, why they broke it and how can we learn from their mistakes. Yes, they put other God's first, as do we. How do we change? I talk a good game, but do I really put him first. I don't think it is even remotely possible to put Jesus first unless you start the day with him. I have tried. Nothing works. If I don't start the day with him, devotions, reading, prayer, then forget it. Secondly, it is pivotal to be thankful for what we have, and that starts with recognizing what we have. Being aware of the blessings we have and remembering that none of them are a result of our doing. Analyzing the verse in this way has helped me to realize that the Israelites were (a) didn't realize the blessings they had and ( were not thankful. They then turned to other more tangible (my words) Gods. Thoughts???

How soon we forget to love the lord with all you heart and mind and, to love each other as Christ loves us. Throughout the OT we read of the fleeting memory of the Jews. This passage is just one more example. But are we any different? Do we really put him first? Are all our trials the result of not doing this? I think not. In fact, some of our trials (ie. persecution) are the result of putting Christ first. But what I can say since I have become a Christian, is that the trials (when they come, and they will) are much more bearable with him in control. Often this is because (a) I can see his hand and, ( I can see the solution around the corner. Right now I am going through a lenthy separation from my family because I am in Afghanistan. And while it is not easy, I can say it would be expontentially more difficult w/o him in our lives (from the 3 year old on up).

As I was pondering this, all of the logical and reasonable answers popped up. Then I started to ask myself, how much of Gideon's whining is really from him, and how much is from his parent, elders, peers, etc. So often we don't take responsibility for our actions (worshipping other God's like e.g. money, fame). But often we just ride the train with other folks. And the vicious circle continues. It's the government. The company. The... God sees through all of this and sees what we can truly be. A question that is off topic a bit: Is the Angel of the Lord the preincarnate Jesus? I have been doing some research and I would like to hear what others think. Faith Alone, Hobie

Hello to all. My name is Hobie and I am coming to you from Bagram, Afghanistan, as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Gotta love technology. It is very early here (or late depending on your perspective). I have done 2 of the Joyful Heart studies, although I have to admit I had to slow down on the Luke study due to comittments elswhere. Looking forward to this study and everyone's thoughts. Faith Alone. S. <><