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Today: Proverbs 11:19-28; John 5:31-47; Judges 7:8-25; Judges 8
Proverbs 11
“One who is steadfast in righteousness attains life, but one who pursues evil attains his own death.” Proverbs 11:19
David used the word “steadfast” in our Psalm reading from yesterday. I love this word — steadfast! It means fixed in direction; steadily directed; firm in purpose; unwavering; firmly established. David CHOSE to be steadfast in his devotion to the LORD. His son, Solomon, the author of Proverbs, followed his father’s example.
John 5
John devoted much time in the gospel he wrote to establishing Jesus’ identity as the true Messiah. In John 5, Jesus gave a verbal argument for His identity as if He were in a court of law. He offered the following witnesses and testimony:
- The witness of John the Baptist
- His own miracles, “the works which the Father has given Me to accomplish” (v.36)
- God, “His word remaining in you” (v.38)
- Scriptures, Moses
Judges 7
In Judges 7, God told Gideon, “if you are afraid to go down, go with Purah your servant down to the camp…” (v.10) And Gideon did just that so I guess he must have been afraid!
I actually find this comforting. Gideon was afraid to do what God told him to do, but he did it anyway. And God blessed him.
When we are following God’s direction, we don’t NEED to be afraid. But it’s okay if we are!
The odds were decidedly NOT in Gideon’s favor. God had pared down his army to a mere 300 men to fight against the Midianites and Amelikites who were “as numerous as locusts.” Even their camels were “as numerous as the sand on the seashore.” (v.12) I would have been terrified too if I were Gideon!
But God isn’t upset by Gideon’s fear. Instead He encourages Gideon by letting him overhear a soldier’s dream and friend’s interpretation that Gideon would be victorious. God knew that was exactly the encouragement that Gideon needed. He went forward with confidence and miraculously won the battle!
