“The Israelites said to Gideon, “Rule over us…But Gideon told them, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. THE LORD WILL RULE OVER YOU.” (Jud. 8:22-23)
[Gideon just came from a battle where he started out with 32,000 men and the Lord narrowed it down to 300 men, then he armed them with a trumpet and a “flashlight” (that’s what we would call it today), WITH GOD NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE, so God’s condition was, fight by faith or do not fight at all! So, with this “army” of 300 + God, went against 135,000 Midianites and the “sword of the Lord” became the enemy’s sword one against another for God caused confusion and the Midianites killed one another. (See Judges Chapter 7.)]
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, YOU PRESERVE MY LIFE. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; WITH YOUR RIGHT HAND YOU SAVE ME.” (Psa. 138:7)
[Our Abba has one hand to stretch out against our enemies, while he uses the other hand to save us. Jesus Christ is the right hand of the Lord, and we know that He will save all those who serve him.]
“The LORD WATCHES OVER ALL WHO LOVE HIM, but all the wicked he will destroy.” (Psa. 145:20)
[How important it is for us today to renew our love for our Abba Father, to re-commit ourselves to Him! We must let our “lights” shine brightly for the Lord of hosts! Especially in today’s world!]
“You are THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and IT GIVES LIGHT TO EVERYONE IN THE HOUSE. In the same way, LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE BEFORE OTHERS, that they may see your good deeds and GLORIFY YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN.” (Matt. 5:14-16)
[We must be burning and shining lights for our Abba Father!]
“For you were once darkness, but now YOU ARE LIGHT IN THE LORD. LIVE AS CHILDREN OF LIGHT (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and FIND OUT WHAT PLEASES THE LORD. Be VERY CAREFUL, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Eph. 5: 8-10, 15-16)
The LORD WATCHES OVER ALL WHO LOVE HIM!
-Bill Stockham