Once again, Israel sinned against the Lord. They turned from following the Lord and instead chased after other gods. Because of this the Lord grew angry with Israel and he gave them into the hands of Midian (on the northwest Arabian Peninsula). The Midianites were cruel. They slaughtered all the cattle, sheep, and donkeys. They ruined all the crops. They were so cruel, the Israelites fled to the mountain clefts and caves and cried out to the Lord for help. The Lord sent them a prophet who reminded them of their slavery in Egypt and how the Lord had rescued them and delivered them, telling them not to worship other gods. But they didn't listen. Whenever we don't listen to the Lord, we can be sure misery is crouching at our door.

The Lord sent an angel to Gideon, who was threshing wheat in a wine press to hide from the Midianites. He greeted Gideon with, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." Gideon complained that the Lord had abandoned them. But the angel said to him, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" The Lord promised to be with Gideon and give him victory. We become afraid that we are not capable of doing the Lord's work. But he sends us in our strength and promises to be with us.


Application: Father, you send your people out in the strength they have. Help us to be confident in you.
One Word: The Lord sends us out to do his work