Lilac Ministries

Bible Study Lessons

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Scripture: Judges 7:8 - 21

Topic: Being Bold with a Friend


When we last left Gideon, he’d asked for fleece signs from God and received them. He had made a call for warriors to face an upcoming battle and received them. Then God said, “Too many guys, Gideon,” and had him cut his forces to 300. Imagine - only 300 men to face an army so large it was described as being like the sand on a beach. This week, we read and thought about how Gideon faced these seemingly insurmountable odds with the help of God and a friend.

One thing we considered about the 300: They wanted to be there. The forces that were previously cut from the army included anyone who didn’t want to be there. If you’ve ever been involved in a project requiring the cooperation of others, you know the contrast between having those who love to be there and having those who “have to” be there. Isn’t our Sunday worship experience a good example of this?

God knows you … and me … and Gideon. He uses us exactly as we are. God knew Gideon would still be nervous. ( I know *I* would have been!) He tells Gideon, “IF you are still afraid, take your servant Purah with you to the camp, and you’ll hear some good news.” We felt that the Lord, our Abba Father, knew Gideon needed encouragement often. We thought of when a child is about to face his or her first day of school. Sometimes, parents will bring their child to see the teacher the day before. This allows the child to at least see what’s coming the next day. This builds confidence.

We thought about how friends encourage us. Gideon took up God’s offer and did take his servant Purah on a spying expedition. We had a very good laugh in thinking that Purah might’ve been a LARGE man and a mighty warrior. I mean, really! Gideon is a nervous fellow - wouldn’t it make sense that the Lord would name a servant who would give Gideon confidence in his task? I think so! We gave some consideration as to why friends are so important in situations that appear dire. They encourage us with words, giving us moral support. They help us to view things in a more positive and optimistic light. Isn’t it so very easy to paint a gloomy outcome when we are alone? When we are with a friend, each of us can tell the other, “This is going to work out.” In faith, we can also say, “See! This is nothing less than the Lord’s hand leading us!” Such friendships help us to be strong for each other, while keeping things in a healthy perspective.

I thank God for the example of Gideon in scripture. This is a man who was afraid to face scary things, but God knew that and chose him anyway. Gideon was encouraged by God’s leading and by the friendship of others. I pray we might all find a good measure of courage and faith with our friends and remember how God used Gideon.