In the book, Gospel Blimp, written in 1960 by Joe Bayley, George and Ethel are concerned about the salvation of their next-door neighbors, but don’t know how to reach them with the good news of Jesus Christ. During an evening get-together of George and Ethel’s Christian friends, everyone is captivated by the sight of a blimp flying overhead. Then Herm gets a bright idea: why not use a blimp to proclaim the Christian message to the unchurched citizens of Middletown? The group incorporates, buys a used blimp, hires a pilot, then commences to evangelize their hometown by towing Bible-verse banners, ‘firebombing’ folks below with gospel tracts, and broadcasting Christian music and programs over loudspeakers. But a series of misadventures puts the blimp ministry in jeopardy. And George becomes increasingly uneasy about the methods and business practices of International Gospel Blimps Incorporated and its “Commander”, Herm. Do the personal sacrifices made by the group’s members justify the results? And will George and Ethel’s next-door neighbors ever receive the gospel message?

God had a different strategy for Gideon when He told Gideon that Israel would boast in their power if too many people delivered them from Midian. God tested them until Israel’s army was reduced to 300 among those who lapped like a dog versus cupping their hands to drink (Judges 7:2-7). God uses small groups that are alert to danger and trust in His power. In the midst of  affliction and burden, don’t trust yourself, but God who raises the dead (2 Cor. 1:8-11).

God communicated to Gideon that Midian would be given into his hands even though they were “numerous as sand on the seashore.” To be strengthened and not fear, God instructed Gideon to enter Midian’s camp. While there, he heard a man’s dream about a loaf of barley bread that tumbled into Midian’s camp and struck a tent so it fell. The interpretation meant God gave Midian into Gideon’s hand (Judges 7:9-15). 

God promises victory over your spiritual enemies. He always leads you in His triumph in Christ (2 Cor. 2:14-17). 

Gideon divided the 300 men into three companies and put trumpets and empty pitchers into their hands with torches inside the pitchers. All 300 men blew trumpets, smashed pitchers and held torches in their left hands and trumpets in right hands for blowing, and cried, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon” (Judges 7:16-20). 

God’s word, prayer, Holy Spirit and Godly character defeat your spiritual enemies (world, flesh and devil). God breaks your clay pot (human body) through affliction so people outside the faith can see the “light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6-10). He has given the word of truth (sword of Spirit) and weapons of righteousness (Godly character) for the right and left hand (2 Cor. 6:6-7). 

As a result, the Midian army fled and Lord set the sword of one against another throughout the whole army. Israel was summoned from Naphtali, Asher and all Manasseh,  pursued Midian, sent messengers throughout hill country and took waters from Beth-barah and Jordan. They killed Midian’s two leaders (Judges 7:21-25). 

As you develop authentic relationships with people outside the church, you experience death so His resurrection life can destroy the power of darkness enabling people without Christ to see the “light of the gospel of Christ” through your cracked “pot” as you share life (2 Cor. 4:3-6,11-15). 

If you don’t already have one, ask God to give you a relationship with someone who doesn’t know Christ. Spend time together in common interests so you can demonstrate authentically the difference Christ makes in your daily life. 


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