“The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord gave them into the hand of Midian seven years. And the hand of Midian overpowered Israel… And Israel was brought very low because of Midian. And the people of Israel cried out for help to the Lord.
“When the people of Israel cried out to the Lord, [he] sent a prophet.., ‘Thus says the Lord: I led you up from Egypt and brought you out of the house of slavery… I said to you,.. “You shall not fear the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell.” But you have not obeyed my voice.’
“Now the angel of the Lord came and sat under the terebinth at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash, while his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the winepress to hide it from the Midianites. And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, ‘The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.’ And Gideon said to him, ‘Please, my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us?.. But now the Lord has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.’ And the Lord turned to him and said, ‘Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?’ And he said, ‘Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.’ And the Lord said to him, ‘But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.’” Judges 6:1-2,6-8,10-16
Yet another national disaster held Israel captive, as once again they reaped hard consequences for wickedness they’d sown. Desperate, with too familiar déjà vu, they cried to God for help. His response? Their punishment was deserved, they had blatantly disobeyed.
But with mercy, into every crooked generation the Lord raises up people to do His work. They may not be those the world would choose as a hero, nor the most eloquent, attractive, or educated, but His people for His purposes. Their results might be spectacular, or silent, invisible, and impossible to measure- they are up to God. His chosen instruments are called only to be faithful. (Exodus 4:10; 1 Samuel 16:7; Isaiah 6:5-8; Jeremiah 1:4-9; 1 Corinthians 1:20,26-30; Philippians 2:15)
Where has the Lord planted us to be His emissaries- home, community, workplace, church? How are we specifically serving Him this season, in our culture, utilizing unique gifts under His inspiration and control? What relationships would He have us hone rather than ignore, what unappreciated tasks tackle rather than put off, what civic responsibilities obey rather than shirk? If He has indeed assigned our place and time, He will supply wisdom and strength for His particular intentions. If we make ourselves available, and coincidentally offer our capabilities while accepting the opportunities He brings, He’ll direct and employ our involvement and contribution. (Isaiah 33:6; Acts 13:36; 17:26)
“Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the trumpet call obey;
forth to the mighty conflict
in this his glorious day.
Ye that are men now serve him
against unnumbered foes;
let courage rise with danger
and strength to strength oppose.” ~George Duffield (1858)
Lord, keep me willing and trustworthy to be used for Your purposes in my time, for Your good and glory.
As the rain and snow 