Gideon Summer
Gideon Summer, Part 7: Images Without Substance
July 11, 2021 • Steve Brown
Eugene Peterson writes, “We live in a culture where a new beginning is far more attractive than a long follow-through. Images are important. Beginnings are important. But an image without substance is a lie. A beginning without a continuation is a lie.” Although Gideon had been a faithful leader, he made a move near the end of his career that had unintended consequences. He made an ephod that the Hebrews prostituted themselves by worshipping it. The ephod became an image without substance and a snare to Gideon and his family. This set up the Hebrews to fall into the same old trip trap of rebellion against God. We can avoid this trap through a life-long follow-through of remaining obedient to God’s Word and not get caught up in a continual chase after what is new.
Gideon Summer, Part 6: Act By Faith Alone
July 4, 2021 • Mike Weaver
“Take nothing with you,” Jesus tells the disciples before they are sent by twos to heal and proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God. Gideon now faced a massive Midianite army camped in the valley with 300 men armed with trumpets and empty clay jars. The victory was certain, “I am going to give it [the camp of the Midianites] into your hands,” (Judges 7:9) God tells Gideon. The question remains, will Gideon act on the promise. Will we?
Gideon Summer, Part 5: Radical Trust
June 27, 2021 • Mike Weaver
Gideon has a newfound strength and trust within him, one that moves him to radical trust in God and God’s guidance. He has a new name, “Jerub-Baal” meaning, “Let Baal contend”. Internally, Gideon has become the mighty warrior and he is now ready to go toe to toe with the Midianites. What would our name be as we face the overwhelming forces against us? The army God chooses will be like Gideon, internally strong, whose strength is found in God alone. Who has God chosen to fight with us?
Gideon Summer, Part 4: God Meets Us Where We Are
June 20, 2021 • Steve Brown
When facing the overwhelming military strength of the Midianites, Gideon’s faith faltered and he was no longer certain that God would save Israel through Gideon. So, Gideon asked God for two very specific signs that were counter to nature. Without hesitation, God gave Gideon the exact signs Gideon requested. What are the spiritual values and pitfalls of requesting signs from the Lord?
Gideon Summer, Part 3: Bold Moves
June 13, 2021 • Mike Weaver
Gideon, the mighty reluctant warrior, acts. He’s commanded by God to do something that frightens Gideon, “Tear down your father’s altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it” (Judges 6:25). Sometimes, the first boldest move God asks us to do isn’t feeding 5000, it is internal, as we self-differentiate ourselves from our families and friends to become the people God asks us to be.
Gideon Summer, Part 2: From Weakness to Strength
June 6, 2021 • Mike Weaver
Throughout Biblical history, God calls unqualified, ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Whether it be the disciples called to feed a crowd of 5000 hungry people or Gideon to defeat the Midianites, God uses people like you and me to act boldly and gracefully in the faces of the various challenges we face. This week in this series, A Gideon Summer, we come to grips with our own weaknesses as we assess where God is calling us to face the challenges around us. We may be, like Gideon, reluctant warriors, but we are warriors nonetheless.
Gideon Summer, Part 1: Same Old Trip Trap
May 30, 2021 • Steve Brown
In the book of the Judges, the people of God repeatedly were brought to a place where they thought evil was winning. We learn from the story of Gideon as to why this is happening and how to respond. When the angel of the Lord appeared to call a very discouraged Gideon to be the next judge of Israel, the angel began by saying, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” When evil appears to be winning, know that the Lord is with you.