THE KING’S BUSINESS
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ings, or raptures instead-of taking Him at His word, believing just because God says so. God had already given Gideon abun dant proof that it was He who fras speak- ing (vs. 17-21), and God has given us abundant proof that the Bible is His Word, and whatever it says, God says. Gideon was very much like the average Christian today, he wishes further signs when God has given abundant signs. However, God con descended to Gideon’s weakness and gave him the sign he sought, v. 39. “Let not thine ùnger be hot against me; . . . let me prove, I pray thee, hut this, once with the fleece,” etc. Gideon evidently knew that he was doing wrong in seeking a sign. He knew he ought to have taken God’s naked word. But though he doubted, he was sincere in his desire to absolutely (1) The Angelic Announcement to Gideon. Chap. 6:11-13. The Angel of the Lord visits Gideon, v. 12; Isaiah 63:9. The Angel encouraged Gideon, v. 12; Acts 18:9-10. Gideon wonders how God can be with them when all seems against them, v. 13; Numbers 14:14-15. Gideon says Israel is forsaken of God, v. 13; Psalms ¿7:9. (2) The Anointing Spirit Upon Gideon .—*■ Chap. 6:33-35. The hosts gather against Israel, v. 33; Psalms 27:3. The Spirit of the Lord clothes Gideon, v. 34; 1 Samuel 10:6; 1 Chronicles 12:18. Gideon blew the trumpet of war, v. 34; Judges 3:27. j Gideon called together the army of Is rael, v. 35. (3) The Attestation of God’s Call to Gid eon. —Chap. 6:36-40.
know. He ought to have known absolutely simply because God said it. Thp two signs which God granted are deeply significant. The fleece of the shorn sheep was a figure of forlorn Israel, a sheep before her shear ers. In the old dispensation, the dew of God was upon Israel, while the nations around were left dry, but in these times of the Gentiles, Israel is left dry while the dew of God is upon the nations. .v. 40. And God did so” Wondrous grace! The Almighty God doing what a humble man asked, and even when the ask ing itself was a revelation of the weakness of his faith. And thus God deals with us today. He gives us the things that we ask even when .we ought not to need them. “He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust.’’ God responds to Gideon’s desire, v. 38; Psalms 72:6. Gideon is not satisfied and seeks another sign, v. 39. God again answers his unbelief, v. 40; Psalm 107:33-35; Isaiah 35:6-7. Practical Points. 1. God needs men and knows where to find them. One on a threshing floor, one in the wilderness, one among the sheep, one at a table, and one up a street. 2. A man may be mighty in God’s sight and not know it. 3. The man who can cast down the altar and cut down the grove in his own town can be trusted to captain an army. 4. When the Spirit of the Lord envelops a man he gives forth no uncertain sound. 5. In unbelief Gideon tested God and in grace God answered the challenge. 6. The dews of grace are the proof of God’s presence.
THE LESSON OUTLINE
Gideon seeks a sign, v. 37. As did Moses, Exodus 4:1-9. As did Hezekiah, 2 Kings 20:9.
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