“Insignificant Does Not Equal Insignificant” (Judges 6)

I have recently stood by the spring of Harod…the place where Gideon chose his 300 men as directed by the Lord. While there, I was reminded of an important lesson that finds itself in today’s Old Testament One Year Bible reading. Gideon is told he will be the person the Lord uses to deliver Israel from their enemies. Gideon’s response to that revelation is not unlike what our response would be today. Gideon says, “O Lord, how shall I deliver Israel? Behold, my family is the least in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.” Least. Youngest. Small. Insignificant.

Too often the church has bought into the cultural lie that ‘bigger is always better’. We have thought at times, “The megachurch down the road has more resources than we and I am sure the Lord will use her more significantly.” Or, “We are a small congregation, we can’t have any impact on our community or its major crises!” But the Lord’s economy is not our economy. Our Father does not see things the way we see things.

The Lord responds to Gideon simply with these words, “Surely, I will be with you.” Jesus also said in the gospel of John, “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” The significance, the impact, the ministry is 100% dependent upon the Lord’s direction and His presence and power in the lives of His people. On our own, we are completely impotent. Do not allow yourselves to look with eyes trained by the culture to believe the strength, significance or moral rightness of the church comes from attendance, who the pastor is, what the budget is, or any other measure of success accepted by the culture. Faith Bible Church will be a success in the Father’s eyes as she is completely dependent upon Him.