Sent and Strengthened - Day 170, Month 6-19 Week 25-2
Today's Reading (Bible in 1 year)
Judges 6:36-7:25, Psalm 136, Jeremiah 47, Acts 8:25-40
Sent and Strengthened
As I mentioned yesterday, God was willing to work at the pace Gideon could handle. Gideon, who was timid and fearful, wanted to know for certain that God was calling him to lead. He verified God's plan twice with the fleece, and even after receiving that confirmation, he went down to the camp of Midian to see whether God was truly going to deliver it into his hands.
After that, Gideon was all in.
With confidence and under God's direction, Gideon and his 300 men created such fear in the camp of Midian that the army fled and began fighting among themselves. The camp of the Midianites and Amalekites was described as being “as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as numerous as the sand on the seashore” (Judges 7:12). Yet God used only 300 men to bring fear upon that massive army. The fact that God used so few people to defeat such a great force would have given Gideon the confidence he needed to continue leading Israel.
Today we also read about Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. The eunuch was reading words from the prophets that described the coming suffering and death of Jesus. We do not know what impact this man had when he returned to Ethiopia, but Philip was sent to speak to one person. God does that. He cares deeply about every individual.
Philip was able to explain the truth about Jesus using the Old Testament Scriptures. I think it is remarkable that as soon as Philip finished explaining the faith and baptizing the eunuch, he was immediately sent on to his next assignment.
What does all of this say to us today?
God sends ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. I do not feel qualified to write a blog about faith. I have never received formal training in writing or theology, yet I believe God can still use these words for His glory and purpose.
I have also learned that it is a great confidence builder to know that God is with me. When He sends me on a task, He goes with me, and He will accomplish His purposes through it.
I have also learned that, although there are things in the Old Testament that I do not always understand, the entire story of Jesus can be found there.
Finally, I realize that wherever I am, I have been sent with a purpose: to represent Jesus. Whether I am in the supermarket, at my part-time job, on vacation, or simply talking with my neighbour, I am called to bring the good news of Jesus.
As Jesus taught throughout the Gospels, I am to love God with all my heart, mind, and soul, and to love my neighbour as myself. If someone wants to understand, just as the Ethiopian eunuch wanted to understand, I should be ready to explain what I believe.
It all starts with loving my neighbour.
Have a great day!
Steve
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