MEMORY SCRIPTURE
But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty.
(1 Corinthians 1:27)
God uses ordinary people like Gideon and Jephthah to become extraordinary leaders, showing His power to use unlikely persons for His purposes.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. 14: God Calls Gideon From His Hiding (Jdg. 6:11-16)
Tue. 15: Gideon Seeks Confirmation From God (Jdg. 6:36- 40)
Wed. 16: God Guides Gideon To Defeat The Midianites (Jdg. 7:19-22)
Thur. 17: Jephthah Called Upon By Gileadite Elders (Jdg. 11:1-11)
Fri. 18: Jephthah Makes A Vow To God (Jdg. 11:29-40)
Sat. 19: Jephthah Becomes Victorious Over The Ammonites (Jdg. 11:32-33)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
God savours the use of weak and imperfect individuals for His purposes.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: Judges 6:1ff; 7:1ff; 11:1ff
Lesson 13, “Moses Prepares Joshua to Lead God’s People,” was a source of enlightenment last week, and we give thanks to God for the insights gained. May we remain steadfast in adhering to the principles discussed for preparing leaders in Jesus’name. Amen.
Today’s lesson, titled “God Prepares Gideon and Jephthah, focuses on the stories of Gideon and Jephthah to deduce lessons from how God prepared and raised these individuals to deliver the Israelites from oppression. These narratives reveal God’s transformative work in shaping unlikely leaders who play pivotal roles in the nation’s deliverance. Despite their initial doubts and shortcomings, God equipped and empowered them for their tasks, demonstrating His ability to use ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. Through obedience, faith and the unfolding of His divine plan amidst adversity, the stories of Gideon and Jephthah inspire us to trust in God’s providence.
May we humbly glean wisdom from these accounts as we delve into today’s lesson. Amen.
LESSON OUTLINE
- GOD PREPARES GIDEON
- GOD PREPARES JEPHTHAH
LESSON EXPOSITION
GOD PREPARES GIDEON (6:1ff; 7:1ff)
Then the LORD turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?”
(6:14)
a) 6:1-11: The Israelites had again turned away from God, and as a consequence, God allowed the Midianites to oppress them. Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites when the Angel of the LORD appeared to him (cf. Exod. 3:1-4).
b) vv. 12-13: The Angel of the LORD greeted Gideon and addressed him of as a mighty man of valour. Despite this positive affirmation, Gideon expressed doubt. Leaders in training may doubt their abilities. Yet God chooses the unlikely to display His power through weakness (1 Cor. 1:27-29).
c) vv. 14-21: God assured Gideon of His presence and promised victory. C God’ presence with any leader makes all the difference (cf. Acts 18:9. 10). Trusting in His promises empowers leaders to face challenges with confidence ( (Isa. 41:10;Php. 4:13).
d) vv.25-27: God instructed C Gideon to tear down his father’s idols, which he did at night to avoid confrontation. This act showed Gideon’s commitment to God’s command and marked a turning point in his leadership journey.
e) vv. 36-40: The fleece test teaches us to seek God’s S encounter uncertainty but must trust God’s timing and methods guidance. Leaders (Prov. 3:5-6; Jas. 1:5).
f) 7:1ff: God’s reduction of Gideon’s army and his subsequent victory teach the importance of leaders relying on God’s strategy, and strength (cf. Psa. 20:7,Prov. 16:9;Heb. 11:6;Eph.6:10).
GOD PREPARESJEPHTHAH (11:1ff)
Then Jephthah fled from his brothers and dwelt in the land of Tob; and worthless men banded together with Jephthah and went out raiding with him.
(v.3)
a) vv. 1-11: Jephthah, born to Gilead and a prostitute, faced rejection and expulsion from his family due to his birth circumstances (vv. 2-3).
b) v. 1-3: God chose him to deliver Israel, his seemingly faulty origins and rejection notwithstanding. This shows God’s sovereignty in choosing unlikely leaders (cf. 1 Cor. 1:27-29).
c) vv. 1,3: As a mighty man of valor, he united and led a force; a testament to his leadership and strategic acumen, honed through God’s preparation (cf.1 Sam. 16:18).
d) V. 6: The elders of Gilead sought Jephthah’s leadership in battling the Ammonites. They recognised his notable skills and military prowess (Acts 4:13).
e) vv. 6-1 1,29-31: Like Gideon, Jephthah trusted in God’s presence and guidance (vv. 6-11) and sought confirmation before the battle (vv. 29-31),showing he had been built to rely on divine direction.
f) vv. 12-28: He proved strategic leadership by negotiating before resorting to military action. He displayed the diplomatic skills and pursuit of peaceful solutions he had garnered over the years.
g) vv. 32-33: Obviously, God’s empowerment enabled him to succeed despite past challenges. His victory led to unequivocal recognition as a leader.
LESSONS DERIVED
- God empowers those He calls, turning their weaknesses into opportunities for His strength to shine.
- Despite Jephthah’s challenging background, God saw his potential, teaching us that He can use anyone, regardless of their past, or social status.
QUESTIONS
- Discuss circumstances behind Gideon and Jephthah’s call.
- What lessons might one grasp from the choice of both Gideon and Jephthah as leaders of the people?
