Scripture: Judges 6:33-40
Dear Church,
When we meet Gideon, he is literally bent over, cowering in fear while hiding from his enemies. And then an angel of the Lord appears to him with a series of stunning revelations: he is seen and known by God, he is called to a life of wonder beyond his wildest imagination and God will accompany and equip him every step of the way.
Don’t we all want a message like that from God? Don’t we all savor those moments when they come–a word or sign that shows us that God sees us, that God has a life of beauty and purpose for us, that God is with us and will provide for us always? Honestly, aren’t we all hoping for God to give us revelations like that every time we open our bibles or seat ourselves in the sanctuary? I know I am.
But that moment–dazzling as it was–wasn’t the end of Gideon’s story. It was the beginning. That moment wasn’t the climax of Gideon’s life of faith–it was the catalyst. Gideon had many other encounters with God, but that one was never repeated. It didn’t need to be. It served his purpose–it launched him on his journey.
I’ve been reading Paul’s letter to the Colossians every day lately, and I’m struck by how he tells the church they’ve got to move beyond knowing the revelation of Christ to living Christ:
You’ve received Christ Jesus, the Master: now live him. You’re deeply rooted in him; You’re well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving. (Col. 2:6-7, The Message).
It’s a wonderful thing to receive revelation from God. But the goodness and abundant life comes not in getting it or knowing it or even in believing it–the glory comes in the living and walking it out. This Sunday we’re going to see what that looked like for Gideon and seek the Lord for what his story shows us about our own.
Peace,
Pastor Kate
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