An Obedient And Willing Heart
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Judges 6:1–40 and Psalm 28 (NIV)
(Wendy Chiam, SGM, Small Group Leader)
READ:
Psalm 28 is a petition for deliverance, for justice and thanksgiving for prayers yet to be answered.
Judges 6 reflects God’s wrath and silence when the people of God did evil, and God’s grace when the people repented and cried out to Him. God’s patience and grace are exemplified in His assurance to Gideon in verses 14, 16 and 23 (NASB).
The LORD looked at him and said, “Go in this your strength and deliver Israel from the hand of Midian. Have I not sent you?” (v14)
But the LORD said to him, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat Midian as one man.” (v16)
The LORD said to him, “Peace to you, do not fear; you shall not die.” (v23)
OBSERVE:
In Judges 6:1 (NASB), “ the sons of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD gave them into the hands of Midian seven years.” This clearly reminds us that God, in His goodness hates sin and detaches Himself from evil.
Despite His hatred for sin, He is first a God of love. Thus, when the children of Israel cried out to Him after years of suffering, God heard their cries and appointed Gideon to deliver the disobedient children from the hands of Midian.
God picked an insignificant Gideon to deliver Israel. Like Moses, Gideon was doubtful and struggled with this task from God. He asked for multiple signs to affirm God’s calling and God patiently revealed the signs to Gideon.
APPLY:
As I read Judges 6, I am also reminded of my own roller coaster faith ride. Like the children of Israel, I have not been obedient and have not been consistent in my spiritual disciplines. Many times, I put my own priorities before God and make choices without first seeking His counsel. As you can probably guess, some of these choices failed badly and I could only turn to God for mercy and help. Each time, His mercies endured and He graciously carried me through them.
In the past, I would find 1001 excuses not to serve because I felt that I did not have the skills, strength or talents. But I realise from this passage that like Gideon, God does not need my skills, nor my strength or talents for He is Jehovah Jireh. All I need to offer is obedience and a willing heart.
DO:
Although I know our God is a gracious God, I cannot take Him for granted. I need to be steadfast in my spiritual disciplines, make intentional efforts to practice examen, and attend discipleship courses that the church organises.
PRAY:
Gracious God, guide me and strengthen me as I walk with You. Let me not depart from Your teachings. Help me remain steadfast and not do evil in Your sight. When I stray off the path, please be merciful and lead me back to the correct path. Please hear me when I cry Abba Father, and grant me the will to hold fast to You always.
