With invincible faith in God, Gideon assembled 32,000 soldiers to fight against 135,000 Midianites. Being outnumbered more than 4 to one by the enemy, God told Gideon to send home, anyone who was afraid to fight. Leaving only 10, 000 soldiers; outnumbered now almost 15 to one, God said that they were still too large of an army for God to give the battle to Gideon. A third dismissal left only three hundred men, to go into battle against 135,000. Each man would have to personally face-down 450 enemy warriors. That night God spoke to Gideon and assured him that the Midianites would be given into his hand. Armed with only trumpets and torches hidden in clay pitchers, the three hundred men were divided into 3 companies that surrounded the camp of the Midianites. At Gideon’s command, they blew their trumpets, broke the clay pitchers revealing the light of their torches. The noise and the three hundred lights in the dark of night put the enemy into a panic and the Lord set them upon themselves. The enemy slew their fellow soldiers.
“And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon. (21) And they stood every man in his place round about the camp: and all the host ran, and cried, and fled. (22) And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to Bethshittah in Zererath, and to the border of Abelmeholah, unto Tabbath” (Judges 7:20-22).
Imagine the power of the three hundred lights that drove 120,000 Midianites to slay one another. Three hundred lights and voices, with three hundred trumpets sounded victory for the Lord and Gideon.
The voice of one, John the Baptist, heralded the ministry of Jesus Christ. One man caught the attention of thousands and brought persecution upon himself from the religious leaders. He was a thorn in Herod’s side and so Herod seized the moment to silence him by beheading.
“He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias” (John 1:23).
Imagine the effect of a little less than 200 people today, in Crystal Lake; going forth with God’s blessing in the spirit of Gideon or in the spirit of John the Baptist. With God’s blessing, growth could number in the hundreds of thousands. Is 9.5 million too large for God? Is any number? Apostolic Christians carry the only hope and light to a dark world! Don’t under estimate the light of single flame in pitch darkness!
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. (15) Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. (16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16).
Jesus Christ established His church. The Greek word for church is ekklēsia which means “a calling out.” The church is made up of people who have been called out of the world to be separate.
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).
God has called His people out of this sinful world to do the work of the Gospel; to be sent forth as a spiritual army. We have been drafted into the church; bought with the high price of Christ’s blood.
“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's” (1Corinthians 6:20).
There is no higher calling, no greater profession, than to profess the Gospel. We have not been called for ourselves, but for the work of God. Love the Word and go forth with a conquering spirit!
Prayer: Our God and Heavenly Father, you are Creator, Savior and Sustainer. You are the true light and you shine through the lives of your chosen warriors, the church. Open my heart to the burden of the Gospel set before me. Lead me into the battle to win souls for the Kingdom; until all things are fulfilled at your coming. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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