Judges 7:7-9 And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place. So the people took victuals in their hand, and their trumpets: and he sent all the rest of Israel every man unto his tent, and retained those three hundred men: and the host of Midian was beneath him in the valley. And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Arise, get thee down unto the host; for I have delivered it into thine hand.
In recent months we have begun service with the sounding of the "shofar". This is a traditional Jewish instrument fashioned from the horn of a ram. The "shofar" was used in battle much the same way a modern bugle is used, to send messages to the troops and assemble them for various battlefield formations. When sounded, the men were called to action in battle.
One of the most remarkable lessons of this battle was how God orchestrated the victory. Not only did Gideon start out as an unlikely leader, but he doubted much of what God was telling him directly. Still, and even though much of it sounded absurd, Gideon followed God's directions. As God demonstrated His faithfulness at each step, Gideon's faith grew and he ultimately won the battle under supernatural conditions. It was a battle God promised to hand to Gideon.
Even for our church, it is easy to look at our "numbers" and become discouraged. Even I do from time to time, and while natural for any of us, I have learned that GOD is not limited by "how many" people are willing to do His will, but whether 1 or 2 are willing. God does not need lots of people, He needs a few passionately willing people. More than that, He does not want us to fool ourselves by thinking "we did it" or that "our strength" is what won the victory. He wants us to rely on Him more and more, especially when things do not make sense. If Gideon can follow, then so can you and I.
What you bring to church is what is then available for GOD to use. If you come to worship God then be the one that does so with abandon. We do not need hundreds of people, but the right number of people willing and available for GOD. He knows how many people that is in this season and we must continue to trust Him. He continues to meet all of our needs in preparing for the victory, just like He did for Gideon!
When the battle is won, and the enemy is on the run we will call to those who need to see God's hand moving, and they will come and join the fight. As we trust in Him, we allow room for His supernatural plan to unfold, and follow His lead. This is just as it happened for the Israelite's under Gideon's leadership.
Judges 7:22 And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to Beth-shittah in Zererath, and to the border of Abel-meholah, unto Tabbath.
Our Confession in Prayer!
Join us in the following prayer of unity under God:
"Heavenly Father, it is so easy to doubt you when we view things through natural eyes. We know that you have a plan for each of us, and for our church. It is unfolding before our eyes and although we may not understand all that is happening, we trust you! We want to see your hand move, as we follow your lead.
May we continue in faith knowing that your plan is perfect and that we should remain focused and diligent in doing what you have called us to do. As we prayed together on Sunday, we are saying "choose us" to help take the gospel to the people in our lives. Use us to take the gospel beyond the walls of our church.
Lord, we look forward to the supernatural victories that you have for all of us, and for our church. Forgive us for doubting you at times simply because we may not know your perfect number.
In Jesus' name we pray, Amen!"