Hebrews 11:37-38 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— 38 of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 32. And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—

Men of Whom the World was Not Worthy Hebrews 11:38

40 Yrs. Rest, then Midianite Oppress. 6:3- Midianites came each year when crops were planted Like locusts, they devoured the land 6:2- Israel hid in mountains, caves, strongholds When the people cried out, God sent them a prophet

6:11- Gideon is in Hiding 6:12- “Lord is with you, O might man of valor” If the Lord is with us, then Why? Where? 6:14- “Go in this might of yours and save Israel…” How can I? Smallest family & youngest son 6:16- “But, I will be with you and you shall…” 6:17- Show me a sign (v.20-22… done deal!)

6:25-Baal’s Altar on his Father’s Land Got father’s bull, a 7 yr. old bull, 10 servants He destroyed the altar and used Asherah for firewood 6:28- Townspeople angry, called for Gideon’s death 6:31- Gideon became Jerubbaal- the Baal Fighter 6:33- Midianites, Amalakites & children of the east crossed Jordan

6:34- Call went first to Abiezerites Then to Manasseh, Asher, Zebulun & Naphtali 6:36-40- sign of the fleece, wet and then dry Started with 32,000 men, 22,000 left for fear, water lapping test left only 300 Faith encouraged with fatal dream telling As the battle began… Every man stood in his place!

The Last Chapter in Our Story 8:4- Pursued the Kings of Midian, Zeba & Zalmunna over the Jordan Sought food from brethren in Succoth, Penuel and was summarily refused Caught the Kings, returned, and punished his brethren with thorns, beatings, and death

What Do We Learn from Gideon? God doesn’t judge as man does The Lord is not opposed to faith building Must clean up our own backyard before we can lead God doesn’t do His will the way we expect Every man has a place to stand When one stands up to the enemy he deserves support

We don’t have to be Gideon to buck the odds, feel outnumbered, lead against a foe, and win. We need to be devoted and faithful. Have you believed and been baptized? Mark 16:16