“WE EXIST TO PROCLAIM THE REIGN OF JESUS CHRIST OVER ALL THINGS; GLORIFYING AND ENJOYING GOD, NOW AND FOREVER!”

2 – “GOD’s Passion for His Glory!”

In the book of Judges the nation of Israel is in a downward spiral of apostasy. The refrain “The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the LORD…” is repeated numerous times (2:11; 3:7, 12; 4:1; 6:1; 8:33; 10:6; 13:1). This is followed by God’s judgment which is usually, but not always, followed by the Israelites’ cry for deliverance. God is continually gracious to His people in raising up judges to deliver them, and in Judges 7 we encounter one of the most well-known judges: Jerubbaal (also known as Gideon). Several aspects of Gideon’s life are memorable: his desire to confirm God’s will by the ‘fleece tests’ (Judges 6:36-40) and of course his battle against the vast Midianite army with only 300 men (Judges 7). But what is the main point of the events in Gideon’s life? What was the Lord trying to teach us? Some people read the record and come away thinking they should follow Gideon’s example by preparing different ‘tests’ by which they can determine God’s will for their life. Others come away thinking the men of Gideon’s army must’ve been very courageous. It may surprise you to discover that the main point in the Gideon narrative is found in Judges 7:2, The LORD said to Gideon, “The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’” Tucked in this verse is the key truth of God’s passion for His own glory. This is an incredibly encouraging truth!