A Barley Loaf Against the Midianites
God's demobilization of Gideon's army teaches us to trust in His plan and power, rather than relying on our own strength or numbers.
George Warnock emphasizes the story of Gideon, who faced overwhelming odds against the Midianites with only 32,000 men. Despite the fear and the reduction of his army to just 300, Gideon obeyed God's command, demonstrating that God often chooses the weak and insignificant to accomplish His purposes. This narrative illustrates that true strength lies not in numbers but in reliance on God, who desires to receive all the glory for victories won. The sermon encourages believers to trust in God's ways, even when they seem counterintuitive.
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Consider the man Gideon. Israel had been oppressed by the Midianites for a long time. Any grain that they were able to grow was snatched away by the enemy as soon as it was harvested. God appeared to Gideon and gave him a charge to wage war against the enemy and deliver his people. And so naturally Gideon began to muster the army... not too many responded, but he had a word from God and Gideon took courage with the handful that came to the battle. He only had 32,000 men compared to the hosts of Midian which numbered about 135,000.
But God looked at Gideon's little army and announced: "You have too many..." Good Christian leaders everywhere are trying to mobilize the forces of Christianity to wage warfare against the forces of evil; but God comes on the scene and begins to demobilize.
Twenty-two thousand went home out of fear... they might die in battle and lose all. But once again God looked down and said, "You still have too many..." What would Gideon do now? God Himself would single out the ones that would qualify for His army, and 9,700 more were sent home.
God said, "All you need are the 300 I have left with you... this way I will get all the Glory." God likened Gideon's little band to a "barley loaf" and with that flimsy, insignificant little army God would destroy all the armed might of the Midianites, 135,000 strong. How we need to learn God's Way!
Sermon Outline
- God's Demobilization
- God's Selection
- God's Glory
- God gets all the glory in victory
- The insignificance of Gideon's army
Key Quotes
“You have too many... God Himself would single out the ones that would qualify for His army, and 9,700 more were sent home.” — George Warnock
“God likened Gideon's little band to a 'barley loaf' and with that flimsy, insignificant little army God would destroy all the armed might of the Midianites, 135,000 strong.” — George Warnock
Application Points
- We should trust in God's plan and power, rather than relying on our own strength or numbers.
- God can use the weak and insignificant to accomplish great things.
- We should be willing to surrender our own plans and ideas to God, and trust in His wisdom and guidance.