Gideon; Man of Doubt, Man of Fear, Man of Faith?Sample

An easy victory

“The three companies blew the trumpets and broke the jars. They held in their left hands the torches, and in their right hands the trumpets to blow. And they cried out, ‘A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!’ Every man stood in his place around the camp, and all the army ran.” (Judges 7:20-21)

It turns into a strange battle in the middle of the night. The Israelites don't fight at all. They only create confusion by suddenly appearing in the dark with torches and a whole lot of noise of breaking jars, blaring trumpets, and shouting men. They look like 300 army captains urging their soldiers on — only there are no soldiers with swords. Gideon's men stand by as the enemies flee, even attacking each other in the chaos. Then, more Israelites are summoned to pursue, enclose, and kill the Midianites. They achieve a decisive victory.

A few generations earlier, the people of Israel stood before the impenetrable fortress city of Jericho. God assured them, “I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor.” At His command, the Israelites walked around the city without attacking it. Finally, the priests blew their trumpets, and the people began to shout. At that moment, the city walls collapsed, and the Israelites could enter the city unhindered.

When God says He gives His people’s enemies into their hands, He does. Sometimes in a miraculous way. What do you learn from these stories about the Lord God? Is that still relevant today?