Experiencing God - Day 16
Day 16 - Monday, February, 26
Read Judges 6
Highlight
Gideon finds himself from the weakest clan and least in his family (v.15), and yet God still uses him because it is the Lord who will be with him (v16). Before going to fight a battle, God calls Gideon to tear down the altar of a false god that Gideon’s own father built. Scholars believe this first task of Gideon is important because of two things. First and foremost, it shows how serious God is about “no other gods before Him.” In order for Gideon to have success in fighting against the enemy, God needs to be first.
The second importance scholars point out is “do the people in his town even believe Baal is a god?” This is subtle when you first read Judges 6, but verse 31-32 is the answer Joash (Gideon’s dad) gives to the townspeople. He says “if Baal really is a god, he can defend himself when someone breaks down his altar” (v 31). Then they rename Gideon Jerub-Baal, which means “Let Baal contend with him” (v 32). The townspeople then expect if Baal is a god, he will deal with Gideon. But nothing happens to Gideon. In fact, when the eastern people invade their land, like they did each year, it is the Spirit of the Lord that comes upon Gideon (vv 33-34). He calls up his own clan to fight for the Lord. Revealing that though at first they were ready to kill Gideon for tearing down Baal's altar, they now assume Baal must not be a god, because he did not defend his own altar. Therefore, Gideon must be following the true God of their ancestors, and the people turned away from their false god.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Judges 6
Highlight
Gideon finds himself from the weakest clan and least in his family (v.15), and yet God still uses him because it is the Lord who will be with him (v16). Before going to fight a battle, God calls Gideon to tear down the altar of a false god that Gideon’s own father built. Scholars believe this first task of Gideon is important because of two things. First and foremost, it shows how serious God is about “no other gods before Him.” In order for Gideon to have success in fighting against the enemy, God needs to be first.
The second importance scholars point out is “do the people in his town even believe Baal is a god?” This is subtle when you first read Judges 6, but verse 31-32 is the answer Joash (Gideon’s dad) gives to the townspeople. He says “if Baal really is a god, he can defend himself when someone breaks down his altar” (v 31). Then they rename Gideon Jerub-Baal, which means “Let Baal contend with him” (v 32). The townspeople then expect if Baal is a god, he will deal with Gideon. But nothing happens to Gideon. In fact, when the eastern people invade their land, like they did each year, it is the Spirit of the Lord that comes upon Gideon (vv 33-34). He calls up his own clan to fight for the Lord. Revealing that though at first they were ready to kill Gideon for tearing down Baal's altar, they now assume Baal must not be a god, because he did not defend his own altar. Therefore, Gideon must be following the true God of their ancestors, and the people turned away from their false god.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Posted in Experiencing God