"Now the angel of the Lord did not appear to Manoah or his wife again. Then Manoah knew that he was the angel of the Lord. So Manoah said to his wife, 'We will surely die, for we have seen God.' But his wife said to him, 'If the Lord had desired to kill us, He would not have accepted a burnt offering and a grain offering from our hands, nor would He have shown us all these things, nor would He have let us hear things like this at this time.'" -Judges 13.21-23
The wife of Manoah tells her husband what has happened, and Manoah prays that the God sent would come and again and teach them more about what they would need to know for the boy that has been promised. God answers the prayer and when the angel comes the second time the wife runs to get her husband. They speak with the angel and then are instructed to make a burnt offering to God, and the angel ascends in the flame. It is at this point that they realize they have been speaking to an angel.
Here Manoah has a freak out/panic moment. He belives that they have seen God and are about to die. Enter the voice of reason, and his wife, who is nameless in the Bible, points out that God is not going to kill them because of what He has shown them and that He accepted their offering. They have been promised a blessing from God, and death is not going to follow.
In relationships I believe that the role of the voice of reason can shift. When my wife and I first got married it was her. When I was frustrated she would be able to help we calm down. If I worried, she was able to help me trust. For a while our roles shifted as our life has changed, and I became the voice of unshakable faith and serenity. Now it's all situational. There are moments when she is the voice of reason, and there are moments when I am.
Men, God gave us wives for many reasons, one of which is to be the voice of reason at times. It shouldn't be her role all of the time, otherwise we are failing to lead. A leader has to be able to be calm, collected, and confident. But at the same time, there will be times when we don't know what to do. Enter the wife who takes up the needed role to support her husband and care for her children. God created us to be partners, each playing a vital role.
Let us be men who are willing to listen to our wives when we aren't thinking rationally. Let us focus on the voice of reason.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Friday, February 27, 2015
Born with Purpose
"There was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren and had borne no children. Then the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, 'Behold now, you are barren and have borne no children, but you shall conceive and give birth to a son. Now therefore, be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing. For behold, you shall conceive and give birth to a son, and no razor shall come upon his head, for the boy shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines.'" -Judges 13.2-5
Israel does evil in the sight of God; God allows the Philistines to oppress Israel. This time the deliverance is different. The Spirit of the Lord does not come upon an adult who is ready to take action, rather an angel appears to a barren woman and tells her that she will conceive and give birth the one who will free Israel form the Philistines.
This child will be human, not God incarnate like Jesus, but he will be set apart for God's work from birth. He is born with a purpose, and his parents are to follow certain guidelines so that he will be able to fulfill that purpose. The angel appears twice, upon request from the woman's husband, and the instructions are given a second time. Their son will be born with a purpose.
Men, you were born with a purpose. Your children are/will be born with a purpose. What are you doing to live your purpose personally? What are you doing to prepare your children to learn and fulfill their purpose?
Let us be men who strive to find the calling God has given us. Some of us have been blessed with men in our lives who have encouraged us and helped guide us. Others have not, and have found that purpose from God personally. Do you know that you are here for a reason? Your life is not an accident, you are here intentionally.
Let us be men who guide our children and encourage them to find their purpose. Manoah and his wife were given specific instructions on how to raise their son and what he would accomplish. And while today we don't get the details the Bible contains, what I personally believe to be, the most important lesson any parent can give their children.
Proverbs 3.5-8, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones."
Let us be men who strive to live that. Let us be men who teach those words. Let us be men who live with the purpose we were born for.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Israel does evil in the sight of God; God allows the Philistines to oppress Israel. This time the deliverance is different. The Spirit of the Lord does not come upon an adult who is ready to take action, rather an angel appears to a barren woman and tells her that she will conceive and give birth the one who will free Israel form the Philistines.
This child will be human, not God incarnate like Jesus, but he will be set apart for God's work from birth. He is born with a purpose, and his parents are to follow certain guidelines so that he will be able to fulfill that purpose. The angel appears twice, upon request from the woman's husband, and the instructions are given a second time. Their son will be born with a purpose.
Men, you were born with a purpose. Your children are/will be born with a purpose. What are you doing to live your purpose personally? What are you doing to prepare your children to learn and fulfill their purpose?
Let us be men who strive to find the calling God has given us. Some of us have been blessed with men in our lives who have encouraged us and helped guide us. Others have not, and have found that purpose from God personally. Do you know that you are here for a reason? Your life is not an accident, you are here intentionally.
Let us be men who guide our children and encourage them to find their purpose. Manoah and his wife were given specific instructions on how to raise their son and what he would accomplish. And while today we don't get the details the Bible contains, what I personally believe to be, the most important lesson any parent can give their children.
Proverbs 3.5-8, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones."
Let us be men who strive to live that. Let us be men who teach those words. Let us be men who live with the purpose we were born for.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Thursday, February 26, 2015
When You're Offended
"Then the men of Ephraim were summoned, and they crossed to Zaphon and said to Jephthah, 'Why did you cross over to fight against the sons of Ammon without calling us to go with you? We will burn your house down on you.' Jephthah said to them, 'I and my people were at great strife with the sons of Ammon; when I called you, you did not deliver me from their hand. When I saw that you would not deliver me, I took my life in my hands and crossed over against the sons of Ammon, and the Lord gave them into my hand. Why then have you come up to me this day to fight against me?'" -Judges 12.2-3
The men of Ephraim come to Jephthah and aren't thrilled with him to say the least. They ask why he went to war without asking them to go with him and threaten to burn his house down while he's inside. Jephthah says that they were in trouble and when they did call on Ephraim they didn't come, and when they didn't he took action to save his people. A civil war occurs between the men of Gilead and the half tribe of Ephraim. Under Jephthah's leadership Gilead is victorious.
Ephraim is offended that Gilead went to war without them. Jephthah points out how he called on them for help and they didn't answer. His people were in danger and he acted to save them because no one else would. Looking at a map of the land after it was divided it looks like Jephthah passed through the land possessed by Ephraim and fighting took place there; Ephraim is upset that they weren't involved in a conflict on their own land. As a result they threaten the house burning and a war results. They were offended and it resulted in the deaths of 42,000 men of Ephraim.
Men, when you are offended what is your reaction? Do you out with threats of vengeance, or do you seek a peaceful resolution? How often are you offended and find out you're in the wrong? Is your reaction the same? What are the results of your attitude?
The men of Ephraim were angry over something that they had caused, and it resulted in tens out thousands of their people being killed. When you're offended what is the result?
Let us be men who seek peace. When an offense is given, let us seek rational resolution. Let us not start a war over something that was our own fault.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
The men of Ephraim come to Jephthah and aren't thrilled with him to say the least. They ask why he went to war without asking them to go with him and threaten to burn his house down while he's inside. Jephthah says that they were in trouble and when they did call on Ephraim they didn't come, and when they didn't he took action to save his people. A civil war occurs between the men of Gilead and the half tribe of Ephraim. Under Jephthah's leadership Gilead is victorious.
Ephraim is offended that Gilead went to war without them. Jephthah points out how he called on them for help and they didn't answer. His people were in danger and he acted to save them because no one else would. Looking at a map of the land after it was divided it looks like Jephthah passed through the land possessed by Ephraim and fighting took place there; Ephraim is upset that they weren't involved in a conflict on their own land. As a result they threaten the house burning and a war results. They were offended and it resulted in the deaths of 42,000 men of Ephraim.
Men, when you are offended what is your reaction? Do you out with threats of vengeance, or do you seek a peaceful resolution? How often are you offended and find out you're in the wrong? Is your reaction the same? What are the results of your attitude?
The men of Ephraim were angry over something that they had caused, and it resulted in tens out thousands of their people being killed. When you're offended what is the result?
Let us be men who seek peace. When an offense is given, let us seek rational resolution. Let us not start a war over something that was our own fault.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
A Man's Foolishness
"Jephthah made a vow to the Lord and said, 'If You will indeed give the sons of Ammon into my hand, then it shall be that whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the sons of Ammon, it shall be the Lord’s, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.'" -Judges 11.30-31
The Spirit of the Lord has come upon the valiant warrior and he is on his way to battle. He knows that he needs God's help to attain victory for Israel and free them from the oppression of the sons of Ammon, and so he makes a vow to God. He pledges that if God will give him victory then he will give God the first thing that comes out of his house when he returns home.
Reading this I'm wondering what he was thinking. Did his kid have a cat he hated? Was their a servant he was really annoyed with all the time? Was he hoping that either of these two things would walk out first and not only would he be victorious but also rid of something he couldn't stand? Or was it a vow without really thinking about what it could entail?
Jephthah, with the help of God, is victorious, and when he returns home his daughter comes out of the house singing in celebration of his victory to welcome him home. And this is what he must now offer to God. He could have told God he would offer the finest bull in Israel. He could have promised to sacrifice one hundred spotless lambs. But rather than that he promised God the first thing that walked out of his house. I can't imagine how his heart sank when he saw his daughter.
Here we learn another lesson from the life of Jephthah, don't make foolish promises.
Men, have you made a promise to God? Did you think before speaking or did you get caught up in the emotion of the moment? Take God out of it, have you made a foolish, or hasty, promise to someone else? Have you over committed your time and now are unable to follow through with everything? Have you committed resources you don't have, and never did? It costs you your reputation.
Jephthah lost his only child because of a foolish promise he made to God. May we never make the same mistake.
Let us be men who commit to things we can follow through on. Let us think before we speak. Let us guard our reputations and not fall into foolishness.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
The Spirit of the Lord has come upon the valiant warrior and he is on his way to battle. He knows that he needs God's help to attain victory for Israel and free them from the oppression of the sons of Ammon, and so he makes a vow to God. He pledges that if God will give him victory then he will give God the first thing that comes out of his house when he returns home.
Reading this I'm wondering what he was thinking. Did his kid have a cat he hated? Was their a servant he was really annoyed with all the time? Was he hoping that either of these two things would walk out first and not only would he be victorious but also rid of something he couldn't stand? Or was it a vow without really thinking about what it could entail?
Jephthah, with the help of God, is victorious, and when he returns home his daughter comes out of the house singing in celebration of his victory to welcome him home. And this is what he must now offer to God. He could have told God he would offer the finest bull in Israel. He could have promised to sacrifice one hundred spotless lambs. But rather than that he promised God the first thing that walked out of his house. I can't imagine how his heart sank when he saw his daughter.
Here we learn another lesson from the life of Jephthah, don't make foolish promises.
Men, have you made a promise to God? Did you think before speaking or did you get caught up in the emotion of the moment? Take God out of it, have you made a foolish, or hasty, promise to someone else? Have you over committed your time and now are unable to follow through with everything? Have you committed resources you don't have, and never did? It costs you your reputation.
Jephthah lost his only child because of a foolish promise he made to God. May we never make the same mistake.
Let us be men who commit to things we can follow through on. Let us think before we speak. Let us guard our reputations and not fall into foolishness.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
A Man's Work
"When the sons of Ammon fought against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to get Jephthah from the land of Tob; and they said to Jephthah, 'Come and be our chief that we may fight against the sons of Ammon.'... Now Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the sons of Ammon, saying, 'What is between you and me, that you have come to me to fight against my land?'...'I therefore have not sinned against you, but you are doing me wrong by making war against me; may the Lord, the Judge, judge today between the sons of Israel and the sons of Ammon.'" -Judges 11.5-6, 12, 27
Judges 11.4-28 show the story or real man. He was a valiant warrior, driven from his father's home by his brothers. While in Tob other men, with no identity were drawn to him and begin to find an idnetity because of him. Israel is oppressed and at this point the elders of Gilead go in search of a man who will deliver them. Those who drove Jephthah out aren't doing anything, and so they go and find the valiant warrior. The will make him their leader if he will lead them in battle, giving him the honor that was never given to him.
He accepts and begins the work of a leader. The enemy king demands land to be given, but Jephthah tells how this land was never taken by Israel, and that the sons of Ammon had every opportunity to take it back but didn't. He stands his ground firmly and doesn't give in to the demands of this king. He knows the truth and stands behind it. The king of Ammon doesn't agree, because he isn't getting what he wants, and so he is ready for war. But Jephthah is not about to back down.
This story inspires me. You have a man who knows his identity calling out the man in others who have no identity. Then when he is needed those who drove him out turn to him, realizing that he is the only man who can deliver them. In the face of opposition he delivers the facts, standing firm on the truth and refusing to give in to the demands of another king.
Men, does your life look like this? Do you have an identity that circumstances cannot take away? Are others drawn to you because of it? Does your identity stand out so that when difficulties arise people know that you can be counted on? Are you able to stand your ground in the face of opposition because you know the truth and that you are rooted in it? What would it take for that to be you?
Let us be men like Jephthah. May we know our identity and help give one to others. May we rise up when called upon and stand for truth. May we speak rightly and never back down from a bully.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Judges 11.4-28 show the story or real man. He was a valiant warrior, driven from his father's home by his brothers. While in Tob other men, with no identity were drawn to him and begin to find an idnetity because of him. Israel is oppressed and at this point the elders of Gilead go in search of a man who will deliver them. Those who drove Jephthah out aren't doing anything, and so they go and find the valiant warrior. The will make him their leader if he will lead them in battle, giving him the honor that was never given to him.
He accepts and begins the work of a leader. The enemy king demands land to be given, but Jephthah tells how this land was never taken by Israel, and that the sons of Ammon had every opportunity to take it back but didn't. He stands his ground firmly and doesn't give in to the demands of this king. He knows the truth and stands behind it. The king of Ammon doesn't agree, because he isn't getting what he wants, and so he is ready for war. But Jephthah is not about to back down.
This story inspires me. You have a man who knows his identity calling out the man in others who have no identity. Then when he is needed those who drove him out turn to him, realizing that he is the only man who can deliver them. In the face of opposition he delivers the facts, standing firm on the truth and refusing to give in to the demands of another king.
Men, does your life look like this? Do you have an identity that circumstances cannot take away? Are others drawn to you because of it? Does your identity stand out so that when difficulties arise people know that you can be counted on? Are you able to stand your ground in the face of opposition because you know the truth and that you are rooted in it? What would it take for that to be you?
Let us be men like Jephthah. May we know our identity and help give one to others. May we rise up when called upon and stand for truth. May we speak rightly and never back down from a bully.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Monday, February 23, 2015
Call Out the Man
"Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a valiant warrior, but he was the son of a harlot. And Gilead was the father of Jephthah. Gilead’s wife bore him sons; and when his wife’s sons grew up, they drove Jephthah out and said to him, 'You shall not have an inheritance in our father’s house, for you are the son of another woman.' So Jephthah fled from his brothers and lived in the land of Tob; and worthless fellows gathered themselves about Jephthah, and they went out with him." -Judges 11.1-3
Jephthah is a valiant warrior, but because of his mother, something outside of his control, he becomes an outcast. He is driven away by his brothers and lives in the land of Tob. While there other men gather around him and begin to go out and fight along side him.
The text says they were worthless, the Hebrew word means empty or vain. These men had no identity, they lived only for themselves, and as such were probably outcasts as well. But they are drawn to Jephthah, a man who is described as a valiant warrior. They are drawn to this real man, one with an identity, who even when in unfavorable circumstances still stands out and others are willing to commit to him. Perhaps it is with Jephthah that these men stop being worthless. Maybe he gives them an identity and calls out the men in them. He must, because they go out with him, willing die with him.
This is what the world needs most desperately. To many men fall into the category of worthless. They are empty with no identity and no purpose, so they become vain, living only to please and satisfy themselves. They need a man who is man to help them become who they are meant to be. We need men like Jephthah, who even when faced with adversity and rejection don't lose heart. We need valiant warriors who know their identity, and aren't defined by what they come from.
Men, maybe you fall into the category of worthless. Maybe you have never had a man pour affirmation or love into you. Maybe you don't know your identity and feel like you have nothing to offer. This is not the truth, you were created to be a valiant warrior. Your circumstances are not the thing that defines you. God will show you who He made you to be, and He will call out the man in you. I believe that He will guide you to a man who can pour into you as well.
Maybe you don't fall into that category, maybe you're like Jephthah. Maybe you know who you are, and your circumstances will never shake the identity that you have. Wherever you are, rally men, and call them out. Help others by giving them an identity, by helping have a cause to fight for. Call out the man in them.
Let us be men who are not worthless but warriors. Let us call out the man in others.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Jephthah is a valiant warrior, but because of his mother, something outside of his control, he becomes an outcast. He is driven away by his brothers and lives in the land of Tob. While there other men gather around him and begin to go out and fight along side him.
The text says they were worthless, the Hebrew word means empty or vain. These men had no identity, they lived only for themselves, and as such were probably outcasts as well. But they are drawn to Jephthah, a man who is described as a valiant warrior. They are drawn to this real man, one with an identity, who even when in unfavorable circumstances still stands out and others are willing to commit to him. Perhaps it is with Jephthah that these men stop being worthless. Maybe he gives them an identity and calls out the men in them. He must, because they go out with him, willing die with him.
This is what the world needs most desperately. To many men fall into the category of worthless. They are empty with no identity and no purpose, so they become vain, living only to please and satisfy themselves. They need a man who is man to help them become who they are meant to be. We need men like Jephthah, who even when faced with adversity and rejection don't lose heart. We need valiant warriors who know their identity, and aren't defined by what they come from.
Men, maybe you fall into the category of worthless. Maybe you have never had a man pour affirmation or love into you. Maybe you don't know your identity and feel like you have nothing to offer. This is not the truth, you were created to be a valiant warrior. Your circumstances are not the thing that defines you. God will show you who He made you to be, and He will call out the man in you. I believe that He will guide you to a man who can pour into you as well.
Maybe you don't fall into that category, maybe you're like Jephthah. Maybe you know who you are, and your circumstances will never shake the identity that you have. Wherever you are, rally men, and call them out. Help others by giving them an identity, by helping have a cause to fight for. Call out the man in them.
Let us be men who are not worthless but warriors. Let us call out the man in others.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Genuine Confession
"Then the sons of Israel cried out to the Lord, saying, 'We have sinned against You, for indeed, we have forsaken our God and served the Baals.' The Lord said to the sons of Israel, 'Did I not deliver you from the Egyptians, the Amorites, the sons of Ammon, and the Philistines? Also when the Sidonians, the Amalekites and the Maonites oppressed you, you cried out to Me, and I delivered you from their hands. Yet you have forsaken Me and served other gods; therefore I will no longer deliver you. Go and cry out to the gods which you have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your distress.' The sons of Israel said to the Lord, 'We have sinned, do to us whatever seems good to You; only please deliver us this day.' So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the Lord; and He could bear the misery of Israel no longer." -Judges 10.10-16
Once again Israel has strayed from God. As a result they have been oppressed, this time it's the Philistines and the sons of Ammon. After eighteen years of oppression the people cry out to God for help, but they don't get the response they are hoping for.
Initially God says, "No, deal with it. This is what you have chosen." He reminds them of every time He has delivered them in the past, listing the enemies He has defeated. He points out how in spite of all that He has done they have turned and served other gods, and so He is no longer going to deliver them because they have made their choice. The false gods they have chosen will need to rise up and deliver them.
The people know they have made the wrong choice. The continue to cry out to God, admitting their sin, and acknowledging their need of Him. The text then tells us that they put away the foreign gods and serve the Lord. They no longer worship pagan idols, but turn to God and begin to follow Him. It is at this point that God is ready to deliver them. He has seen that they are genuinely repentant, and now He begins to deliver them.
Men, how do you cry out to God? Is their genuine confession? Is there a real desire for transformation? Do you want God or are you simply looking for Him to make your life easier by taking away some hardship? Do you seek God for what He can do for you, or are you genuinely interested in Him for who He is? Is your confession a genuine acknowledgment of your need for God, or simply a desire for convenience?
Let us be men who turn to God and forsake everything else. Let us be men who are transformed, and rescued, with genuine confession.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Once again Israel has strayed from God. As a result they have been oppressed, this time it's the Philistines and the sons of Ammon. After eighteen years of oppression the people cry out to God for help, but they don't get the response they are hoping for.
Initially God says, "No, deal with it. This is what you have chosen." He reminds them of every time He has delivered them in the past, listing the enemies He has defeated. He points out how in spite of all that He has done they have turned and served other gods, and so He is no longer going to deliver them because they have made their choice. The false gods they have chosen will need to rise up and deliver them.
The people know they have made the wrong choice. The continue to cry out to God, admitting their sin, and acknowledging their need of Him. The text then tells us that they put away the foreign gods and serve the Lord. They no longer worship pagan idols, but turn to God and begin to follow Him. It is at this point that God is ready to deliver them. He has seen that they are genuinely repentant, and now He begins to deliver them.
Men, how do you cry out to God? Is their genuine confession? Is there a real desire for transformation? Do you want God or are you simply looking for Him to make your life easier by taking away some hardship? Do you seek God for what He can do for you, or are you genuinely interested in Him for who He is? Is your confession a genuine acknowledgment of your need for God, or simply a desire for convenience?
Let us be men who turn to God and forsake everything else. Let us be men who are transformed, and rescued, with genuine confession.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Wickedness Repaid
"Thus God repaid the wickedness of Abimelech, which he had done to his father in killing his seventy brothers. Also God returned all the wickedness of the men of Shechem on their heads, and the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal came upon them." -Judges 9.56-57
Gideon dies an old man, and leaves 70 sons, the text says that he had many wives. One son was not born from a wife, but a concubine. Abimelech was the son of this woman. He goes to the town of his mother and convinces them that he should rule out of all of his brothers. The people of Shechem follow him and he then goes and puts all of his brothers to death, removing the competition. However, one of them, Jotham, the youngest, hides and escaped.
Abimelech has done a pretty despicable thing. I'm guessing he was probably an outcast among his brothers because of his mother. He waited and found an opportunity to get even, and when he could, took advantage of it. Initially he seems to have succeeded. He has achieved something for himself, but it hasn't been gained honestly and he will not keep it.
For three years he rules, but God sends and evil spirit the divides Abimelech and the men of Shechem, who begin to deal treacherously with him. Shechem is taken, battles follow and Abimelech is killed after a woman throws an upper millstone on his head. The wickedness of Abimelech is repaid to him by God.
Abimelech did whatever it took to get ahead, and in the process intentionally killed his own brothers. In the end he was betrayed and died a painful and humiliating death. Dishonest gain does not bring peace or satisfaction. Anything not is not built on trust and honesty cannot stand. Betrayal follows betrayal, dishonesty follows dishonesty. And God does not allow wickedness to go unchecked.
Men, this story brings a warning of dishonest gain and wickedness. Have you followed the model of Abimelech? Have you betrayed those closest to you to get ahead? God sees it, so do others, and it will not be overlooked forever.
Let us be men of honesty and integrity. May we never rely on deception and betrayal to advance ourselves.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Gideon dies an old man, and leaves 70 sons, the text says that he had many wives. One son was not born from a wife, but a concubine. Abimelech was the son of this woman. He goes to the town of his mother and convinces them that he should rule out of all of his brothers. The people of Shechem follow him and he then goes and puts all of his brothers to death, removing the competition. However, one of them, Jotham, the youngest, hides and escaped.
Abimelech has done a pretty despicable thing. I'm guessing he was probably an outcast among his brothers because of his mother. He waited and found an opportunity to get even, and when he could, took advantage of it. Initially he seems to have succeeded. He has achieved something for himself, but it hasn't been gained honestly and he will not keep it.
For three years he rules, but God sends and evil spirit the divides Abimelech and the men of Shechem, who begin to deal treacherously with him. Shechem is taken, battles follow and Abimelech is killed after a woman throws an upper millstone on his head. The wickedness of Abimelech is repaid to him by God.
Abimelech did whatever it took to get ahead, and in the process intentionally killed his own brothers. In the end he was betrayed and died a painful and humiliating death. Dishonest gain does not bring peace or satisfaction. Anything not is not built on trust and honesty cannot stand. Betrayal follows betrayal, dishonesty follows dishonesty. And God does not allow wickedness to go unchecked.
Men, this story brings a warning of dishonest gain and wickedness. Have you followed the model of Abimelech? Have you betrayed those closest to you to get ahead? God sees it, so do others, and it will not be overlooked forever.
Let us be men of honesty and integrity. May we never rely on deception and betrayal to advance ourselves.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Friday, February 20, 2015
Outside of the Calling
"The weight of the gold earrings that he requested was 1,700 shekels of gold, besides the crescent ornaments and the pendants and the purple robes which were on the kings of Midian, and besides the neck bands that were on their camels’ necks. Gideon made it into an ephod, and placed it in his city, Ophrah, and all Israel played the harlot with it there, so that it became a snare to Gideon and his household." -Judges 8.26-27
Gideon refuses the crown, but he requests tribute from the men he led into battle. He doesn't ask for much, just a single gold earring from each warriors spoil, but it adds up, and when added to the spoils he has already taken, he has some decent wealth. He goes home and makes an ephod, a priestly garment used in worship. Initially it was probably used to worship God, after all Gideon refused the crown pointing to God as king. But over time the item itself became an object of worship, and once again the people strayed from God.
In this act we see Gideon over step his bounds. The role of the priesthood belonged to the Levites, Gideon was from Manasseh. He has no business making priestly garments. This is not the role God called him to, and trying to do something outside of that calling became a snare for him. He had done so well in refusing the crown, but here we see that he lost sight somehow.
Men, what is the calling God has placed on your life? What lies outside of that calling? Do you desire more than God has given you? Do you seek greatness or victories that are meant for others? Be careful that you don't become ensnared like Gideon. It may not look like a physical idol, but it could be jealousy. It could be envy.
Let us learn to rejoice with others as they fulfill their callings. Let us humbly and obediently focus on what God has called us to. The calling may change and expand over time, but may we never try to force our way into things God has not called us to.
Let us be men who fulfill our calling.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Gideon refuses the crown, but he requests tribute from the men he led into battle. He doesn't ask for much, just a single gold earring from each warriors spoil, but it adds up, and when added to the spoils he has already taken, he has some decent wealth. He goes home and makes an ephod, a priestly garment used in worship. Initially it was probably used to worship God, after all Gideon refused the crown pointing to God as king. But over time the item itself became an object of worship, and once again the people strayed from God.
In this act we see Gideon over step his bounds. The role of the priesthood belonged to the Levites, Gideon was from Manasseh. He has no business making priestly garments. This is not the role God called him to, and trying to do something outside of that calling became a snare for him. He had done so well in refusing the crown, but here we see that he lost sight somehow.
Men, what is the calling God has placed on your life? What lies outside of that calling? Do you desire more than God has given you? Do you seek greatness or victories that are meant for others? Be careful that you don't become ensnared like Gideon. It may not look like a physical idol, but it could be jealousy. It could be envy.
Let us learn to rejoice with others as they fulfill their callings. Let us humbly and obediently focus on what God has called us to. The calling may change and expand over time, but may we never try to force our way into things God has not called us to.
Let us be men who fulfill our calling.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Thursday, February 19, 2015
When You're Popular
"Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, 'Rule over us, both you and your son, also your son’s son, for you have delivered us from the hand of Midian.' But Gideon said to them, 'I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the Lord shall rule over you.'" -Judges 8.22-23
Midian is defeated, Israel is free, and Gideon is offered the throne of Israel. He could have been king, and his sons would have followed him as rulers, but Gideon refuses. He points the people to God, declaring that He is king. He could have ruled, but he refuses. Why, I don't know, but we see here a lesson to heed.
Gideon does not capitalize on success for his own benefit. He delivered the people from oppression, and yet when the time comes for the people to repay him, he refuses their offer. In the height of his popularity he points the people to God. This was the reason God had empowered him. He delivered the people because they cried out to Him, and to bring them back to Him. Gideon is empowered to drive out the Midianites, and God has him do it with only 300 men armed with trumpets and torches in watering pots. God drives out the enemy, and Gideon, the people's champion, reminds the people that it is only because of God that they are now free.
Men, in you moment of success what do you do? When you're popular, what is your reaction? Do you take full advantage of it, trying to advance yourself as much as you can, or gain as much as you can? Or do you give the glory back to God, knowing that you have only succeeded because of Him? If you are offered a crown that isn't yours to wear, what do you do with it?
Gideon refused to take God's place as king. He could have, but he refused. In his moment of glory he directed the focus of the people to God.
Let us be men who don't take the credit that is God's. Let us be men who always point others to Him.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Midian is defeated, Israel is free, and Gideon is offered the throne of Israel. He could have been king, and his sons would have followed him as rulers, but Gideon refuses. He points the people to God, declaring that He is king. He could have ruled, but he refuses. Why, I don't know, but we see here a lesson to heed.
Gideon does not capitalize on success for his own benefit. He delivered the people from oppression, and yet when the time comes for the people to repay him, he refuses their offer. In the height of his popularity he points the people to God. This was the reason God had empowered him. He delivered the people because they cried out to Him, and to bring them back to Him. Gideon is empowered to drive out the Midianites, and God has him do it with only 300 men armed with trumpets and torches in watering pots. God drives out the enemy, and Gideon, the people's champion, reminds the people that it is only because of God that they are now free.
Men, in you moment of success what do you do? When you're popular, what is your reaction? Do you take full advantage of it, trying to advance yourself as much as you can, or gain as much as you can? Or do you give the glory back to God, knowing that you have only succeeded because of Him? If you are offered a crown that isn't yours to wear, what do you do with it?
Gideon refused to take God's place as king. He could have, but he refused. In his moment of glory he directed the focus of the people to God.
Let us be men who don't take the credit that is God's. Let us be men who always point others to Him.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Fearless and Ready
"The Lord said to Gideon, 'The people who are with you are too many for Me to give Midian into their hands, for Israel would become boastful, saying, "My own power has delivered me." Now therefore come, proclaim in the hearing of the people, saying, "Whoever is afraid and trembling, let him return and depart from Mount Gilead."' So 22,000 people returned, but 10,000 remained. Then the Lord said to Gideon, 'The people are still too many; bring them down to the water and I will test them for you there. Therefore it shall be that he of whom I say to you, "This one shall go with you," he shall go with you; but everyone of whom I say to you, "This one shall not go with you," he shall not go.' So he brought the people down to the water. And the Lord said to Gideon, 'You shall separate everyone who laps the water with his tongue as a dog laps, as well as everyone who kneels to drink.' Now the number of those who lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, was 300 men; but all the rest of the people kneeled to drink water. The Lord said to Gideon, 'I will deliver you with the 300 men who lapped and will give the Midianites into your hands; so let all the other people go, each man to his home.'" -Judges 7.2-7
The army has been assembled, and they are ready to go to war, but they are still greatly outnumbered. Verse 12 describes the enemy like locusts covering the valley, with camels as numerous as the sand on the sea shore. But these 32,000 brave Israelites have God on their side, so they prepare for battle. But there is a problem, God says the force is too large. If Gideon leads these men into battle they will win, because God is going to deliver them, but they would become boastful, saying they did it themselves.
God is saving His people so that they will act like His people. If they take the credit they will end up right back in oppression like they are now. So God cuts the army by allowing all who are afraid to go home. Over two thirds of the men leave, but it is still too great a force. God again cuts the army down from 10,000 to 300.
The warriors God chooses are the ones who stay ready and alert. They bring the water to their mouths so that they can still observe their surroundings. If an attack came while down by water, these men would be ready to fight. And here we find the original 300. God takes a sizable army and cuts it down to 300 fearless and ready men.
Men, would you make the cut? Twenty-two thousand men went home because they were afraid of going into battle with God. Another 9,700 were dismissed because they dropped their guard in battle preparation. Only 300 had the faith to courageously trust God and the discipline to stay alert at all times. Only 300 out out 32,000 made the cut. Would you? Do you have the courage to trust God against an overwhelming enemy? Do you have the discipline to stay alert and ready for an attack at all times?
Let us be men who make the cut. Let us be part of the 300 warriors fit for God's service. Let us be fearless and ready.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Mt. Moreh (verse 1)
Mt. Moreh and part of the Jezreel Valley (verse 12)
The army has been assembled, and they are ready to go to war, but they are still greatly outnumbered. Verse 12 describes the enemy like locusts covering the valley, with camels as numerous as the sand on the sea shore. But these 32,000 brave Israelites have God on their side, so they prepare for battle. But there is a problem, God says the force is too large. If Gideon leads these men into battle they will win, because God is going to deliver them, but they would become boastful, saying they did it themselves.
God is saving His people so that they will act like His people. If they take the credit they will end up right back in oppression like they are now. So God cuts the army by allowing all who are afraid to go home. Over two thirds of the men leave, but it is still too great a force. God again cuts the army down from 10,000 to 300.
The warriors God chooses are the ones who stay ready and alert. They bring the water to their mouths so that they can still observe their surroundings. If an attack came while down by water, these men would be ready to fight. And here we find the original 300. God takes a sizable army and cuts it down to 300 fearless and ready men.
Men, would you make the cut? Twenty-two thousand men went home because they were afraid of going into battle with God. Another 9,700 were dismissed because they dropped their guard in battle preparation. Only 300 had the faith to courageously trust God and the discipline to stay alert at all times. Only 300 out out 32,000 made the cut. Would you? Do you have the courage to trust God against an overwhelming enemy? Do you have the discipline to stay alert and ready for an attack at all times?
Let us be men who make the cut. Let us be part of the 300 warriors fit for God's service. Let us be fearless and ready.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Mt. Moreh (verse 1)
Mt. Moreh and part of the Jezreel Valley (verse 12)
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Clarity from God
"Then Gideon said to God, 'If You will deliver Israel through me, as You have spoken, behold, I will put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece only, and it is dry on all the ground, then I will know that You will deliver Israel through me, as You have spoken.' And it was so. When he arose early the next morning and squeezed the fleece, he drained the dew from the fleece, a bowl full of water. Then Gideon said to God, 'Do not let Your anger burn against me that I may speak once more; please let me make a test once more with the fleece, let it now be dry only on the fleece, and let there be dew on all the ground.' God did so that night; for it was dry only on the fleece, and dew was on all the ground." -Judges 6.36-40
Gideon has taken the first steps following God's command. He tore down the altar of Baal and the Asherah pole that belonged to his father. The men of the village were angry, and called for his death because he had desecrated the sacred altar of Baal. His father refuses and says that if Baal is really a god he can rise up and speak for himself.
Following these events the enemies of Israel gather in the Jezreel Valley to prepare for battle. The Spirit of the Lord comes upon Gideon and he begins to call Israel to war. This is a big moment. Making a stand in your village is one thing, but taking on an entire army, that is something else. God had appeared to Gideon and commanded him to tear down the altar, and before he leads an army he wants to make sure he has heard God correctly.
He places a fleece out and asks God to confirm the calling he has been given by making only the fleece wet with dew. When it happens, he requests that God do it again, only this time making only the fleece dry. Both times God answers, and Gideon has his confirmation that he is God's chosen deliverer.
Men, there is nothing wrong with seeking confirmation from God. There is nothing wrong with asking God to make His will clear to you. It is not a lack of faith or trust in Him to confirm what He has said. It is simply wanting to be sure that you have correctly heard what He has said. There is nothing wrong with seeking guidance for a decision. God is not angry with Gideon for asking, and He answers both times giving Gideon the confirmation that he needs.
It is important to point out that while it is ok to throw a fleece out, we must not manipulate them, as my Old Testament professor said. You don't throw out a fleece that you know won't happen just to get what you want. My professor used the example, "Don't say, 'God if I'm not supposed to marry this girl, make the sun not rise tomorrow'." Stuff like that is manipulation, not really seeking God's will. But asking for a sign is not a bad thing.
Let us be men who seek clarity from God on what He has commanded. And when He gives it, let us move forward in faith.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Gideon has taken the first steps following God's command. He tore down the altar of Baal and the Asherah pole that belonged to his father. The men of the village were angry, and called for his death because he had desecrated the sacred altar of Baal. His father refuses and says that if Baal is really a god he can rise up and speak for himself.
Following these events the enemies of Israel gather in the Jezreel Valley to prepare for battle. The Spirit of the Lord comes upon Gideon and he begins to call Israel to war. This is a big moment. Making a stand in your village is one thing, but taking on an entire army, that is something else. God had appeared to Gideon and commanded him to tear down the altar, and before he leads an army he wants to make sure he has heard God correctly.
He places a fleece out and asks God to confirm the calling he has been given by making only the fleece wet with dew. When it happens, he requests that God do it again, only this time making only the fleece dry. Both times God answers, and Gideon has his confirmation that he is God's chosen deliverer.
Men, there is nothing wrong with seeking confirmation from God. There is nothing wrong with asking God to make His will clear to you. It is not a lack of faith or trust in Him to confirm what He has said. It is simply wanting to be sure that you have correctly heard what He has said. There is nothing wrong with seeking guidance for a decision. God is not angry with Gideon for asking, and He answers both times giving Gideon the confirmation that he needs.
It is important to point out that while it is ok to throw a fleece out, we must not manipulate them, as my Old Testament professor said. You don't throw out a fleece that you know won't happen just to get what you want. My professor used the example, "Don't say, 'God if I'm not supposed to marry this girl, make the sun not rise tomorrow'." Stuff like that is manipulation, not really seeking God's will. But asking for a sign is not a bad thing.
Let us be men who seek clarity from God on what He has commanded. And when He gives it, let us move forward in faith.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
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