As a Christian, I find it easy to attend church meetings without engaging people in the world. Many issues keep us immobilized in our four walls or chained to the pews. Earlier chapters in Judges examined how the world’s deceptions motivate unity in recruiting volunteers for the harvest field (Judges 1-5). Gideon is an example of how God can prepare and launch you into mission in six steps.
Hiding in Four Walls
Israel did evil in God’s sight and Midian ruled them seven years. After hiding in caves and Midian destroying all their crops, Israel cried to the Lord (Judges 6:1-6). Spiritual opposition is a motivation to unity as seen in an earlier blog (Judges 3:1-5). The church often hides within the four walls instead of engaging the city’s problems.
1. Disobedience Causes Ineffectiveness
Israel’s history when God delivered them from Egypt provides a backdrop to the current situation. He said, “I am the Lord your God; you shall not fear gods of Amorites in whose land you live. But you have not obeyed Me” (Judges 6:7-10). First step is recognizing your disobedience before you can engage the community in mission.
Disobedience is the reason you are oppressed and ineffective.
2. Affirmation and Questions Leads You to Mission
While Gideon beat out wheat in the wine press, an angel of the Lord appeared and said, “Lord is with you, O valiant warrior.”
Gideon: “If Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are His miracles? Lord has abandoned us.”
Angel: “Go in your strength and deliver Israel from Midian. Have I not sent you?”
Gideon: “How shall I deliver Israel? My family is least and I am youngest in father’s household.”
Angel: “I will be with you, and you shall defeat Midian as one man.
Gideon: “Show me a sign and I will bring out my offering.” Angel: “I will remain until you return” (Judges 6:11-18).
God uses affirmation and questions to lead you into His mission for your life.
3. Purity Produces Healing as Preparation for Mission
The angel touched and consumed the meat and unleavened bread. Gideon saw the angel face to face and experienced peace, health and security (Judges 6:19-24).
God purifies and produces spiritual, emotional, mental and physical healing as He prepares you to fulfill His mission for your life.
4. Prayer Intercessors Deliver You From Fear
God told Gideon to destroy Baal and Asherah (destroy speculations and take every thought captive to Christ) through prayer and personal dedication to Him. Gideon took ten men and obeyed God at night because he feared his father’s household and men in the city (Judges 6:25-32; 2 Cor. 10:3-5). We will receive static from other Christians if we are zealous for God’s glory. A faithful remnant of prayer warriors will strengthen and deliver you from fear.
5. Broken People Battle in God’s Strength to Accomplish Mission
After Spirit of God came upon Gideon, he blew trumpet and Abiezrites were called together to follow him. Gideon sent messengers to four tribes to follow him (Judges 6:33-35). Broken people battle in God’s strength to accomplish His mission.
6. Seek Divine Confirmation for Guidance
Gideon said to God he would put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If dew was on fleece only and ground was dry, then he would be assured that God delivered Israel through him. And it came to pass. Gideon asked for a second test where fleece would be dry and ground have dew. It came to pass a second time (Judges 6:36-40). Seek divine confirmation through God’s promises and lining up of circumstances to test whether you are being guided by Him.
What is God teaching you through Gideon’s call to ministry? Which of the six steps to mission most speak to you? Which one will you begin applying today?
