Biblical Underdogs - Gideon
Warren Hoffman
God performs mighty works in ways that confound our expectations. When we trust him, he saves by many or few, by strong or weak, by much or little. When we first meet Gideon, he is a wimp, as frightened as everyone else in Israel. Yet an angel greets him: “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” Incredulous, Gideon requests a sign. He sets out meat and bread for the angel messenger, and a burst of flame consumes the food. In a surge of holy confidence, Gideon blows a trumpet to summon Israelite fighters to repel Midianite marauders massed in a valley in Israelite territory. Sure that the Israelites will be hopelessly outnumbered, Gideon asks for two more signs: a sheepskin wet with dew on a dry threshing floor and, the next morning, a dry fleece on a wet floor. God grants both faith-building signs. When 32,000 fighters show up, God instructs Gideon to announce that anyone who trembles in fear may go home; and 22,000 men leave! God further directs Gideon to have the men drink. Most drink from hand to mouth, alert for enemies. 300 put their faces to the water, lapping like dogs, unaware of any impending danger. The odds now are suicidal. Though courageous, the 300 fighters are not proficient in military skills. The trumpets, clay pots, and torches are unconventional equipment. And Gideon still emits a trace of fear. God gives one additional sign. Gideon overhears a perimeter guard at the Median camp interpreting a dream: “This can be nothing other than the sword of Gideon!” Finally, Gideon’s faith is strong. Surrounding the Midianite encampment in the night, the Israelite forces blow the trumpets, shatter the pots, hold up blazing torches, and shout: “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!” In terror, the Midianites slaughter one other; the few who survive flee in panic. In the challenges we face, the number of available people is not an issue. Limited skills are not an obstacle. A lack of resources is no deterrent. All God needs is our faith and trust in Jesus, and he patiently trains us even in that!
Pastor Warren
From the Pastor’s Desk April 3, 2022 Not a Tame Lion As Jesus rode into the city of Jerusalem (on the day we call Palm Sunday), the crowd cheered wildly in the hope that he would overthrow their Roman oppressors and rule like David, a warrior king. They shouted: “Hosanna, save us now, son of David!” Jesus rode into Jerusalem, not on a war horse like a conquering king, but on a donkey in fulfillment of an ancient prophecy (Zechariah 9:9). By this visual message, Jesus was communicating two things: Yes, I am God’s only chosen King; but I am not the kind of king you want or expect. Five days later, an enraged mob screamed for Jesus' execution. Since the whole city was stirred when he entered the city, there was surely some overlap in the two crowds. Some who were waving palm branches earlier, now shouted, “Let him be crucified!” In the book of Revelation, the apostle John, who witnessed, first-hand, the crowds in both scenes, is told to look for a triumphant Lion, but there in the midst of the throne is a Lamb (Revelation 5:5-6). The cheering multitude wanted a lion as king. The mob at the trial demanded a lamb. Neither crowd could grasp this meld of divergent realities in Jesus. This terrible inconsistency in not a first century response. Certainly not a Jewish response. This is a human response, all too often our response. We want Jesus to do what we want: to fulfill our desires, our hopes, our dreams. Jesus is a King like no other. In the memorable phrase of C. S. Lewis, he is not tame. His plans and purposes are different from ours. Sometimes he confounds us, yet we persist in demanding what we want. Indeed, we can cry out like the cheering crowd, “Jesus, save us now!” We can appeal to Jesus for what we think is right and good and best. Jesus does meet our earthly needs. He does forgive our sins. He does rescue us from temptation. He does deliver us from evil. We may wrestle with God in agony and unfiltered honesty. But when our expectations are unmet, as they will be at times, we want to get to the place of trusting Jesus, no matter what. As Jesus taught us, we pray: “Your kingdom come, your will be done . . .” Jesus is God’s only chosen King, both Lion and Lamb. He is not tame; he does not always do what we want or expect, but he is always good—and we can trust him, always. Pastor Warren
Sunday, March 27, 2022 From the Pastor’s Desk Money, Sex, and Power In this Lenten season, consider three recurring areas of temptation. Richard Foster has named them in a book of the same title: money, sex, and power. These pitfalls are real. Anyone is susceptible, but there are safeguards to keep from falling into sin (1 Corinthians 10:13). A safeguard against the misuse of money is the practice of living simply. To this end, it is good to develop a spending plan, clear up debt, and practice resourcefulness—with the aim to live below one’s means. When Christ-followers study the biblical teachings about money and put them into practice, they discover a lifestyle marked by simplicity that frees them to love boldly, give generously, and serve joyfully (Matthew 6:19-34). In a culture sated with sexuality, amid technology that offers instant access, Christ-followers must be vigilant to maintain purity. Good intentions are not enough. Firm resolve evaporates quickly. The best protection is to adopt a risk-adverse lifestyle before the onslaught of temptation. This may include spiritual disciplines, nurturing healthy relationships, and transparency with an accountability partner (Matthew 5:27-30). The lure of power is pernicious and often unrecognized. In some church and workplace cultures the display of authority is discouraged. Still, leaders have considerable influence. This is not wrong, but it requires watchfulness. The proper use of power, as ordained by God, is to bless and serve. Anyone entrusted with authority must ceaselessly set aside the perks of this privilege and concentrate, instead, on humble service (Luke 22:24-27). Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one (Matthew 6:13). Pastor Warren
Sunday, March 20, 2022 From the Pastor’s Desk Witness in the Workplace How can we share the good news about Jesus in our workplace? First of all, we listen. We are attentive to words. We pay attention to mood, appearance, and actions. We look for cues that indicate joy, hope, anxiety, fear, or anger. We prompt people to tell their stories. In whatever ways we can, we get to know people. We are actively helpful. In our work we strive for excellence, knowing that good work is a testimony of God’s grace. Over and above this, we endeavor to help customers and coworkers with “extra” measures of helpfulness, serving them in every way possible. At times, we bear with people. Whether with annoying quirks, demeaning criticism, or hurtful impositions, our character will be tested in the workplace. When we respond with patience and forbearance, our witness becomes believable. By these practices, we open the way to share the word of God. We may offer a word of comfort. We may encourage a good endeavor. We may affirm things that are good and true. We may share some of our own story. Over time, we share the story of Jesus. When we engage people in these ways, we scatter the seed of the gospel (Mark 4:3-8,14). The seed will be watered by other Christ-followers (1 Corinthians 3:6). And God will make the seed of our witness in good soil germinate, grow, and produce fruit that leads to eternal life. That is the joy of sharing good news at work. Pastor Warren
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