Scripture text for Wednesday, February 10th, 2010: Judges 6:1-7:25
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Gideon’s question makes sense to me. "If the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?’ (Judges 6:13)
If God is indeed with the Israelites, why do they keep getting destroyed by their enemies?
Gideon’s initial thought is to blame God for being absent. "Hey God, where did you go? Back in the day you were speaking through burning bushes and parting water. Now you are doing nothing and we are getting ravaged by the Midianites!"
But God reminds Gideon that the LORD has not gone anywhere. Through God’s angel, Gideon is told, "The LORD is with you." (Judges 6:12)
God reminds Gideon that God has already given him the strength that Gideon needs to save Israel, but that the Israelites have not utilized it because they have been too busy doing "evil in the eyes of the LORD." (Judges 6:1)
When the Israelites finally “cried to the LORD” God’s constant presence became apparent and Gideon became God’s instrument for justice and rescue. (Judges 6:7)
The pivotal question was not whether God was with Gideon and the Israelites, but whether Gideon and the Israelites were with God.
Do you feel that God has abandoned you? Are you feeling far from God? God’s response has never changed. “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in . . .” (Revelation 3:20)
Devotion prepared by Dan Teefey