The Story Jars of Clay

2 Why read the Bible? Because it tells us an alternative Story

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5 Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt.

3 After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel. Judges 2:10

3 ‘Leaders’ and ‘Saviours’ Constant political turmoil Extraordinary violence

3 Gideon and Samson - anti-heroes

3 "But Lord, " Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." Gideon - God is calling you

3 Gideon’s Fleece Wet Dry

3 From 32,000… …to 300

3 Samson - sunshine man? Special baby Nazarite - set apart by vows, a symbol of Israel Broke his vows one by one

3 Samson - the women in his life His mother - he was her sunshine His wife - she was a Philistine - killed A prostitute in Gaza Delilah - betrayer

3 He awoke from his sleep and thought, "I'll go out as before and shake myself free." But he did not know that the LORD had left him.

3 Life characterised by sexual indulgence and violence - and yet God used him in The Story

3 Gideon and Samson: Jars of Clay Doubts and insecurities Moral Failures Religious compromisers Messy Family life …but God used them

3 Gideon and Samson: Jars of Clay If God can use Gideon and Samson… … God can use you and me

24 Need to re-tell the Story constantly, or we will forget and our children be ignorant Whoever you are, are you open to the call of God? However imperfect I am, God can use me To what is God calling you and me?