Father's Day Bonus Page: Hey, You Modern-Day Gideon!
Theme of the Week: The Genuine Article
Sunday, June 21, 2009
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Key Bible Verse: The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, "Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!" (Judges 6:12).
He was the weakest member of a faithless family living on the wrong side of the tracks. When we encounter him in the Bible, he's cowering out of fear that marauding outlaws might murder him. So guess how the angel who appeared to Gideon greeted him? Instead of yelling, "Hey, you yellow-bellied chicken!" or "Hey, you with the flimsy spine!" he said something entirely unexpected: [the Father's Day Bible Verse].
Why did he call him that? Because God saw Gideon not only for what he was but for what he could become—if he accessed His power. With that, God knew Gideon had the potential to develop into a difference-maker acting out of courage and boldness.
In the end Gideon did receive God's strength. Even though he stumbled occasionally, he went on to achieve great things for God.
As God looks at you sitting there right now, what might he call out to you? How about "Hey, you kingdom builder!" or "Hey, you great man of character" or "Hey, you tremendous parent!" or "Hey, you pillar of strength!" Imagine what you might become if you lean on the strength of God instead of your own. Go ahead—consider the possibilities. You can be sure: God already has.
—Lee Strobel in God's Outrageous Claims
Thought to Apply: In most of his workings, the shaping of a man is foundational to anything God sets out to do. —Jack Hayford (California pastor)
Adapted from God's Outrageous Claims (Zondervan, 2005) by permission.
Copyright © 2009 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
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Shape me, Lord, into a genuine Christ-follower: confident and secure but not self-promoting or arrogant; unassuming but no pushover.
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