-- Thursday, 8/5/10 -- JOINING FORCES -- Judges 8:4-8

[J.R. & Bonnie Ricks]

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JOINING FORCES -- Judges 8:4-8 NIV

 

Gideon and his three hundred men, exhausted yet keeping up the pursuit, came to the Jordan and crossed it.  He said to the men of Succoth, "Give my troops some bread; they are worn out, and I am still pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian."

But the officials of Succoth said, "Do you already have the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna in your possession? Why should we give bread to your troops?"

Then Gideon replied, "Just for that, when the LORD has given Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, I will tear your flesh with desert thorns and briers."

From there he went up to Peniel and made the same request of them, but they answered as the men of Succoth had.  So he said to the men of Peniel, "When I return in triumph, I will tear down this tower."

 

Gideon and his men were exhausted, but they kept chasing the Midianites.  When Gideon stopped and asked the leaders of Succoth and Peniel for help, they refused.  It's just possible they were too dense to see that God was doing battle for Gideon's army.  It's most probable that they were too busy being afraid of revenge on the part of the Midianites to realize that God was taking care of everything.  These people were so busy looking at things with human logic and man’s wisdom that they didn't realize how foolish they really were.  They didn't realize that Gideon's request was God's call for them to add their abilities to God's forces.  So they refused.

 

Have you ever passed up a chance to join forces with other Christians because you were afraid?  Or because you felt inadequate?  Or because you just didn't recognize the fact that God was working through that person?  Or you didn't see any way you could be of benefit?

 

You meet someone who has responded to God's call and is in the process of starting a new ministry – say, for instance, a ministry for people recovering from divorce.  You've been through a divorce.  You know what it's like.  You think this ministry is probably a good idea.  The person in charge asks if you will help.  Your instant reaction is, "Oh, no, I don't have time!"  Or "Oh, no, I'm not good at counseling people!"  Or "Oh, no, I can't be of any help in something like that!"  But perhaps you could be.  Perhaps this is something God wants you to do.  Perhaps your negative response was so fast you didn't learn what it was the leader of the ministry needed.  Perhaps what was needed was not your time.  Perhaps you're one of those people gifted with money, and that extra hundred dollars you have laying around every month is the one thing needed to get the ministry off the ground and keep it going every month.

 

The point is, while we are commanded not to be yoked with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14-18 NIV), we are also told that we should be yoked with believers.  This means get involved.  This means be a part.  This means use the talents and capabilities and resources God has given you to add to the efforts of your Christian brothers and sisters.  If you are already involved in a ministry effort – or more than one – good for you!  But, if you haven't already done so… even though God has shown you several different ministries where you could help… then it's time to join forces with those around you.  Be open to God's call, and then – just do it.

 

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