Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Judges 7:7, “Then the Lord said to Gideon, ‘With the three hundred men who lapped the water I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand, and let all the others go home.'”

Background

Gideon and the Israelites had an appointment with the Midianites and the Amalikites. A battle was going to be had, and Gideon had rounded up as many people as he could, for the enemy were as numerous as locusts, and even their camels were without number. But God had a different idea. He told Gideon that he had too many people for this fight. Too many for war? Yes, for it was not going to be won by the number of manpower they had, but through the mighty hand of God’s deliverance. And bringing too many men to battle would lead Israel to claim glory for itself and its mighty valor. So Gideon ordered the fearful ones home, and immediately two-thirds of the army were gone. But that was still too many, so God said He would weed out the rest down at the river. The men who lapped up the water in their hands would remain, and all the others who got down on their knees to drink would be sent home. And so the army, which began with 32,000 men, was finally reduced to the three hundred God wanted. But these three hundred weren’t magnificent soldiers. Nor did they possess some secret skill of drinking water from a river. But they were the ones that God wanted.

Application

This Saturday, our church is hosting a carnival at the nearby elementary school. We will be charged with running the games, feeding the families, and taking care of all of the activities for the afternoon. Far from a battlefield, it is a red carpet opportunity to show God’s love to our neighbors. But who will do the showing? As a church, how will each of us respond to this invitation? Could we gather enough volunteers to actually hear God tell us we have too many? Could there be a better problem to have? Without a doubt, God will raise up exactly who He wants to serve on Saturday. And it won’t be beanbag toss veterans or sno-cone specialists. It will be those whom He calls who believe those three hours can make a difference for eternity. So, how will you drink this water?

Charge

As we seek Him today, pray that your heart is willing to be used by God. Ask Him to take away any fears or excuses you have, and pray for His glory to shine through you.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words