The story of Gideon is famous because God once again proved that he could do everything with almost nothing. You will recall that God instructed Gideon to whittle down a gathered force of 32,000 men to 300 in order to fight 135,000.
For many reasons, Gideon is an example of a great leader, though not everything he did was positive. God selected him from all of the people of Israel despite him being the least in his family, who themselves were of the weakest clan (Judges 6:15). Gideon also put God to the test in his famous request to keep a fleece dry while the dew wet the surrounding ground and then again when he asked that the dew wet the fleece while the surrounding ground was kept dry. Even on the eve of the great battle, God told him that if he was afraid to go to battle that he should sneak into the enemy camp and listen to the things they had to say. Even though the Lord had sent home 22,000 men for being afraid, Gideon took Him up on his offer and went.
Beloved, despite what we might consider as negatives or challenges regarding our leadership, we would do well to have Gideons lead us. Consider the following:
- Gideon was selected by God and was not a man who desired fame, fortune, attention or power.
- Gideon was a thoughtful and careful man who wanted to be sure that it was God who was leading and directing him.
- Gideon followed God's instructions to the letter.
- Gideon did not share his own thoughts, ideas and philosophies with his followers, but the word and the instruction of God.
- Gideon did not sit back and direct others but lead from the front and by example.
- Gideon had great compassion for his people.
- Gideon was a regular guy who, with the help of God, rose to the task and saved a people.
Let us be sure to seek leaders with these qualities. Further, let us seek to be great followers of God's leaders, not because of the individuals themselves but because of the God we all serve.
Committed,
Lee
No comments:
Post a Comment