WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.679 Good morning. My name is Matthew Capone, and I'm the pastor here at Cheyenne Mountain Presbyterian Church, 00:00:06.679 --> 00:00:09.679 and it's my joy to bring God's Word to you today. 00:00:10.320 --> 00:00:14.339 A special welcome if you're new or visiting with us. We're glad that you're here. 00:00:14.919 --> 00:00:18.140 And we're glad that you're here not because we're trying to fill seats, 00:00:18.359 --> 00:00:21.120 but because we're following Jesus together as one community. 00:00:21.839 --> 00:00:26.060 And as we follow Jesus together, we become convinced that there's no one so good, 00:00:26.060 --> 00:00:29.839 they don't need God's grace, and no one so bad that they can't have it. 00:00:30.480 --> 00:00:35.259 Which is why we come back week after week to hear what God has to say to us in His Word. 00:00:36.500 --> 00:00:42.620 We're continuing our series in the book of Judges, and you'll remember that the book of Judges is about a number of things. 00:00:43.299 --> 00:00:48.079 It's about the need for constant renewal and revival among God's people. 00:00:48.719 --> 00:00:54.500 It's about the need for a true and faithful king, a king who can do what no human can do, 00:00:54.719 --> 00:00:57.019 which is to change the hearts of men. 00:00:57.020 --> 00:01:01.300 It's about the power of spirit-filled leadership, 00:01:01.300 --> 00:01:07.540 and it's about God's mercy towards hard-hearted people, people just like you and me. 00:01:08.500 --> 00:01:13.060 We've been in the story of Gideon for a minute, a couple weeks now, 00:01:13.120 --> 00:01:18.260 and last week we saw that Gideon was commanded to destroy his father's idols. 00:01:18.260 --> 00:01:23.620 And so we asked this big question, why is it worth taking a risk for God? 00:01:24.460 --> 00:01:29.820 And the answer is this, remember that truth is that idols have no power to deliver. 00:01:30.280 --> 00:01:34.719 It is only God who has real power to really save. 00:01:34.719 --> 00:01:39.200 This week we have a similar question before us. 00:01:39.679 --> 00:01:45.319 What do we do when following God causes us to tremble? 00:01:47.200 --> 00:01:51.379 What do we do when obeying God causes us to fear? 00:01:51.379 --> 00:01:58.299 What do we do when obedience presents a tremendous risk? 00:01:59.420 --> 00:02:02.079 That's the challenge that Gideon faces in this passage. 00:02:02.159 --> 00:02:04.739 It's a challenge that we face as well. 00:02:04.859 --> 00:02:10.280 And so I'm going to invite you now to turn with me in your Bible to Judges 6, starting at verse 36. 00:02:10.800 --> 00:02:12.079 You can turn in your Bible. 00:02:12.280 --> 00:02:14.019 You can turn in your worship guide. 00:02:14.539 --> 00:02:15.699 You can turn on your phone. 00:02:16.099 --> 00:02:18.699 No matter where you turn, remember that this is God's Word. 00:02:18.699 --> 00:02:23.479 And God tells us that His Word is more precious than gold, even the finest gold. 00:02:24.000 --> 00:02:27.699 And it's sweeter than honey, even honey that comes straight from the honeycomb. 00:02:28.399 --> 00:02:32.119 And so that's why we read now Judges 6, starting at verse 36. 00:02:33.259 --> 00:02:34.899 Then Gideon said to God, 00:02:35.759 --> 00:02:38.739 If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said, 00:02:39.339 --> 00:02:43.120 Behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. 00:02:43.819 --> 00:02:48.419 If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, 00:02:48.699 --> 00:02:52.699 then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said. 00:02:53.500 --> 00:02:54.539 And it was so. 00:02:55.739 --> 00:02:59.000 When he rose early next morning and squeezed the fleece, 00:02:59.219 --> 00:03:02.759 he wrung enough dew from the fleece to fill a bowl with water. 00:03:04.079 --> 00:03:05.599 Then Gideon said to God, 00:03:05.719 --> 00:03:07.579 Let not your anger burn against me. 00:03:08.319 --> 00:03:10.079 Let me speak just once more. 00:03:11.079 --> 00:03:14.019 Please let me test just once more with the fleece. 00:03:14.020 --> 00:03:19.700 Please let it be dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground let there be dew. 00:03:20.480 --> 00:03:22.320 And God did so that night. 00:03:22.780 --> 00:03:28.000 And it was dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground there was dew. 00:03:28.000 --> 00:03:33.620 I invite you to pray with me as we come to this portion of God's Word. 00:03:35.219 --> 00:03:40.560 Our Father in Heaven, we praise you and thank you that you do speak to us by your Word. 00:03:41.379 --> 00:03:44.740 And we thank you that you know that we are only dust, 00:03:45.020 --> 00:03:46.659 that we're feeble and frail, 00:03:46.960 --> 00:03:51.639 that we're filled with questions and doubts and fears. 00:03:51.639 --> 00:03:56.319 And we thank you that you meet us at those questions and doubts and fears, 00:03:56.679 --> 00:03:59.539 that you aren't put off by them, you're not offended by them, 00:03:59.579 --> 00:04:02.599 but instead you come to us like a loving Father. 00:04:02.879 --> 00:04:05.279 You help us, you remind us, you lead us. 00:04:05.500 --> 00:04:07.739 We ask that you would do that very same thing this morning, 00:04:08.500 --> 00:04:10.779 that you would remind us of our need for your grace, 00:04:10.939 --> 00:04:15.859 and you would show us how you meet us and sustain us at that very same place. 00:04:16.579 --> 00:04:20.879 We thank you that we don't have to worry about whether we've earned or deserved these things. 00:04:20.879 --> 00:04:26.019 We know that we haven't, and so instead we simply ask for them in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. 00:04:26.579 --> 00:04:26.819 Amen. 00:04:30.819 --> 00:04:36.500 Last week we saw Gideon tear down his father's idols, 00:04:37.000 --> 00:04:42.139 and the point there, one of many points, is that he has to tear down the idols. 00:04:42.319 --> 00:04:47.699 He has to do away with the false worship before he can experience a military victory. 00:04:47.699 --> 00:04:56.599 That the problem that they're facing is not simply or merely or primarily a problem of being oppressed by this other nation. 00:04:56.719 --> 00:04:59.500 No, their real problem is a spiritual problem. 00:04:59.599 --> 00:05:04.980 So they have to address the issues of the heart first before they can address issues of the military. 00:05:05.779 --> 00:05:10.360 But they must still address issues of the military. 00:05:11.159 --> 00:05:13.199 The Midianites have not gone away. 00:05:13.199 --> 00:05:14.879 We had an intermission. 00:05:15.079 --> 00:05:20.699 Gideon had a little bit of a break from worrying about them as he got to worry about his father's idols and altar. 00:05:21.120 --> 00:05:25.199 But now we return to what God told him two weeks ago. 00:05:25.339 --> 00:05:27.379 Remember, verse 16, he says, 00:05:27.519 --> 00:05:31.459 You shall strike the Midianites as one man. 00:05:32.719 --> 00:05:34.500 And so we're back to military action. 00:05:35.439 --> 00:05:40.139 Gideon has been tasked with delivering, with rescuing his people. 00:05:40.139 --> 00:05:47.259 Not only has he been tasked with that, but you may remember that the nations, the peoples of the east, are gathering against him. 00:05:47.659 --> 00:05:51.240 So Gideon is outgunned, outmanned, and overpowered. 00:05:52.019 --> 00:05:56.560 We also know, we've seen this before, Gideon has a fearful streak. 00:05:57.680 --> 00:05:59.500 Remember last week he was told, 00:05:59.639 --> 00:06:01.719 Hey, go and destroy these idols. 00:06:02.180 --> 00:06:04.639 He obeyed, but how did he obey? 00:06:04.639 --> 00:06:11.279 Verse 27 tells us he did it by night because he was too afraid. 00:06:12.539 --> 00:06:19.519 Now that's important because that same fear is going to rear its head again this week. 00:06:19.699 --> 00:06:23.159 Fear creeps up as the battle draws near. 00:06:24.379 --> 00:06:27.579 Gideon realizes he had legitimate fear last time. 00:06:27.659 --> 00:06:29.300 He had reason to fear for his life. 00:06:29.300 --> 00:06:36.460 It was threatened after it was discovered in the town that he was the one who tore the altar of his father down, the altar to Baal. 00:06:37.180 --> 00:06:38.860 Now he has legitimate fear again. 00:06:39.000 --> 00:06:44.000 He is about to face this oppressive force that has oppressed Israel for many years. 00:06:44.420 --> 00:06:48.519 We can understand why Gideon here is shaking in his boots. 00:06:48.660 --> 00:06:54.300 Not simply because of his personality, but because of the very real challenge that's in front of him. 00:06:54.300 --> 00:06:59.160 He has been given something that may feel for him impossible. 00:07:00.139 --> 00:07:04.840 And so it's with this fear creeping up that we see Gideon coming to God and saying, 00:07:05.280 --> 00:07:08.160 Hey, I need reassurance. 00:07:08.720 --> 00:07:12.560 Are you going to do what you've said you're going to do? 00:07:12.680 --> 00:07:15.319 Show me that you're going to keep the promise. 00:07:15.960 --> 00:07:17.900 You said, this is verse 16, 00:07:17.899 --> 00:07:21.899 I'm going to strike the Midianites as one man. 00:07:23.060 --> 00:07:25.659 Is that really true? 00:07:28.500 --> 00:07:29.699 That's where we come. 00:07:30.299 --> 00:07:33.939 In this passage, verse 36, right at the very beginning, he says, 00:07:34.259 --> 00:07:38.060 If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said. 00:07:38.519 --> 00:07:41.239 That as you have said refers back again to verse 16. 00:07:41.379 --> 00:07:44.919 It's referring back to the promise that God gave him. 00:07:44.920 --> 00:07:47.939 And so he asks for two different signs here. 00:07:48.000 --> 00:07:51.180 The first sign, verses 37 through 38, he says, 00:07:51.280 --> 00:07:54.740 Hey, I want there to be dew only on the fleece, not on the ground. 00:07:55.500 --> 00:07:59.400 We might think that that's going to be enough, but no, Gideon needs even more reassurance. 00:07:59.500 --> 00:08:02.480 He says, Okay, let's do it another time, but let's flip it. 00:08:02.740 --> 00:08:06.720 This time I want the fleece to be dry and the ground to be wet. 00:08:07.500 --> 00:08:08.840 Now, if you dig into this, 00:08:09.100 --> 00:08:13.139 there's all sorts of ideas about what the fleece may or may not symbolize. 00:08:13.139 --> 00:08:18.379 There's different ideas about how dew works and whether the first time was really a miracle 00:08:18.379 --> 00:08:22.319 or if it was just the second time or we should consider them both a miracle. 00:08:23.399 --> 00:08:29.360 I'm not going to take us down that bunny trail this morning because the major point is clear. 00:08:30.599 --> 00:08:34.159 God is the one with true power. 00:08:35.480 --> 00:08:37.679 God is in control. 00:08:38.819 --> 00:08:40.519 Baal isn't. 00:08:40.519 --> 00:08:46.899 God is the one who determines the ways of the world. 00:08:47.620 --> 00:08:51.139 You'll see this on page 8 of your worship guide. 00:08:51.699 --> 00:08:54.519 Israel had been looking to Baal for life-giving rain. 00:08:55.079 --> 00:09:00.659 Now a pair of signs clench Yahweh's power in Baal's sphere. 00:09:01.460 --> 00:09:04.639 Yahweh is sovereign even over the dew. 00:09:04.639 --> 00:09:12.080 Gideon can march forward having been shown that Baal is nothing and Yahweh is everything. 00:09:13.519 --> 00:09:17.100 Yes, God is really in control. 00:09:18.460 --> 00:09:20.559 And so Gideon's asking God this question. 00:09:20.659 --> 00:09:22.639 He's saying, look, is Baal really nothing? 00:09:23.740 --> 00:09:27.419 Is Ashtra really powerless? 00:09:27.419 --> 00:09:31.259 Yes, yes, yes, they are. 00:09:32.519 --> 00:09:35.059 Is God really in control? 00:09:35.259 --> 00:09:38.699 Is he really the one who reigns and rules in the world? 00:09:39.699 --> 00:09:42.240 Yes, yes, he is. 00:09:43.699 --> 00:09:53.500 And so we have a very simple story here in five verses with just a couple basic principles, a couple basic points. 00:09:53.500 --> 00:10:00.379 And the first is this, obedience is often a fearful thing. 00:10:02.279 --> 00:10:05.000 Obedience is often a fearful thing. 00:10:05.179 --> 00:10:06.799 Gideon is trembling here to obey. 00:10:06.980 --> 00:10:10.940 He's facing the prospect of death as he goes up against these peoples of the east. 00:10:11.460 --> 00:10:17.700 We also face fear as we consider following God's command. 00:10:17.700 --> 00:10:24.020 And remember, our big question is this, what do we do when following God causes us to tremble? 00:10:25.960 --> 00:10:40.720 If I trust God and I leave justice in his hands, rather than taking it into my own hands by slandering my enemies, will he defend me? 00:10:40.720 --> 00:10:53.879 It feels like caring for my family will eliminate what the culture says is most valuable and precious in this world. 00:10:53.960 --> 00:10:57.220 My pleasure, my autonomy, my self-discovery. 00:10:58.779 --> 00:11:01.899 Will God honor my obedience? 00:11:03.320 --> 00:11:08.480 Is my obedience what will actually bring real and true fulfillment? 00:11:08.480 --> 00:11:25.460 It might feel like facing death to forego sexual experiences that the world says are essential to being complete and satisfied and human. 00:11:25.460 --> 00:11:39.100 It may feel like death to face the scorn and ridicule that will come from the world when we stand against it. 00:11:43.100 --> 00:11:47.300 Loss of social respect can feel like a death. 00:11:47.299 --> 00:11:55.019 Is the Christian community strong enough to sustain me if the world rejects me? 00:11:56.759 --> 00:12:02.539 Can I face the fear that comes with obedience? 00:12:04.079 --> 00:12:09.139 What if I reach out to the marginalized and the outcast? 00:12:09.139 --> 00:12:14.779 Will the inconvenience and sacrifice be too much? 00:12:17.600 --> 00:12:21.480 And so Gideon is asking, and we're asking as well as we follow after God, 00:12:21.559 --> 00:12:28.620 if we step out in faith, is God great enough and powerful enough to deliver on his promises? 00:12:30.100 --> 00:12:32.860 Is he really God? 00:12:32.860 --> 00:12:35.519 And so Gideon here, he's worried. 00:12:37.000 --> 00:12:41.860 Worried God isn't strong enough to protect him, to care for him, to defend him. 00:12:42.860 --> 00:12:44.279 So he asks for a sign. 00:12:45.180 --> 00:12:50.240 He brings his unbelief forward and says, look, God, I need help. 00:12:51.519 --> 00:12:55.580 I need help to believe that you are as powerful as you say you are. 00:12:55.580 --> 00:13:02.120 I need help to believe that you're going to do what you said you would do. 00:13:02.980 --> 00:13:07.440 And so we can compare him to the father that we met back when we were in the gospel of Mark. 00:13:07.520 --> 00:13:13.160 Remember, Mark chapter 9, there's this father who's coming forward, his son, to be healed by Jesus. 00:13:13.300 --> 00:13:14.020 And what does he say? 00:13:14.060 --> 00:13:14.920 What does he tell Jesus? 00:13:15.860 --> 00:13:17.900 He says, I believe. 00:13:18.879 --> 00:13:21.280 Help my unbelief. 00:13:22.540 --> 00:13:24.080 I want to have faith. 00:13:24.080 --> 00:13:25.200 Give me faith. 00:13:25.580 --> 00:13:27.520 I'm facing fear. 00:13:27.960 --> 00:13:28.980 I want to obey. 00:13:29.960 --> 00:13:33.800 Remind me that you are powerful. 00:13:35.340 --> 00:13:38.259 Remind me that your words are true. 00:13:41.379 --> 00:13:47.379 And so if obedience is such a fearful thing, if it presents these risks to us, what is it that we do? 00:13:48.200 --> 00:13:53.820 Well, part of that's going to depend on whether we take Gideon here as positive or negative. 00:13:53.820 --> 00:13:59.080 It's not just the signs and the do that are hotly debated. 00:13:59.200 --> 00:14:05.680 It's also hotly debated whether we should see Gideon as an example to us or as some sort of warning to be avoided. 00:14:06.160 --> 00:14:11.900 I've already played my cards a little bit by bringing up Mark chapter 9 because the positive view of Gideon is this, 00:14:11.899 --> 00:14:14.199 that Gideon is just like that father. 00:14:14.819 --> 00:14:18.199 Gideon is coming before God and saying, look, I believe. 00:14:18.639 --> 00:14:20.279 Help my unbelief. 00:14:20.279 --> 00:14:26.179 In fact, we can understand the positive view of him when we compare him to Barak. 00:14:26.279 --> 00:14:30.279 Remember, Barak receives a rebuke from Deborah. 00:14:31.379 --> 00:14:34.519 He gives this condition that he places on his obedience. 00:14:34.799 --> 00:14:39.659 And so Deborah says, fine, I'll go with you, but you're not going to get the glory. 00:14:40.299 --> 00:14:42.439 Here, we don't see anything like that at all. 00:14:42.779 --> 00:14:45.299 God does not condemn Gideon in any way. 00:14:46.099 --> 00:14:47.979 In fact, God meets him at his request. 00:14:48.240 --> 00:14:50.139 Hey, you want to grow in your belief? 00:14:50.240 --> 00:14:51.379 You want to grow in your faith? 00:14:51.459 --> 00:14:51.939 You know what? 00:14:52.819 --> 00:14:53.839 I can help with that. 00:14:55.079 --> 00:14:58.379 You want to be reminded that my word is true? 00:14:59.399 --> 00:15:00.500 I can help with that. 00:15:01.519 --> 00:15:05.599 You need to know, again, you need reassurance of my presence with you? 00:15:05.600 --> 00:15:08.860 I can help with that. 00:15:10.600 --> 00:15:11.680 And so what's the difference? 00:15:11.720 --> 00:15:14.320 What's the difference between Barak and Gideon? 00:15:14.399 --> 00:15:15.420 The difference is this. 00:15:15.860 --> 00:15:19.240 Barak was looking for insurance. 00:15:20.980 --> 00:15:23.700 Gideon is looking for assurance. 00:15:25.300 --> 00:15:27.300 Barak was looking for insurance. 00:15:27.540 --> 00:15:30.519 I will go if Deborah comes with me. 00:15:30.980 --> 00:15:32.519 I don't think God's power is enough. 00:15:32.519 --> 00:15:34.579 I need to have a backup plan. 00:15:35.579 --> 00:15:36.939 That's not what Gideon does here. 00:15:37.000 --> 00:15:39.659 In fact, Gideon never says, hey, I'm not going to do this. 00:15:39.699 --> 00:15:41.279 We don't see that anywhere in the passage. 00:15:41.699 --> 00:15:43.240 No, he's just looking for assurance. 00:15:43.439 --> 00:15:45.740 He's saying, look, I need to believe. 00:15:46.100 --> 00:15:47.100 Help me believe. 00:15:47.620 --> 00:15:49.579 He does not do what Barak does. 00:15:49.679 --> 00:15:52.000 He places zero conditions on his obedience. 00:15:52.679 --> 00:15:55.279 All he does is ask for help. 00:15:57.620 --> 00:15:59.159 Barak, at least at first, 00:15:59.159 --> 00:16:02.179 doesn't believe God is powerful enough. 00:16:03.379 --> 00:16:08.279 Gideon says, remind me that you're powerful enough. 00:16:09.179 --> 00:16:12.939 Help me believe that you're powerful enough. 00:16:13.299 --> 00:16:16.759 In fact, we see that kind of language in verse 39. 00:16:17.259 --> 00:16:19.199 He's apologizing for himself. 00:16:20.000 --> 00:16:21.519 Let not your anger burn against me. 00:16:21.579 --> 00:16:23.259 Let me speak just once more. 00:16:23.259 --> 00:16:26.500 Please let me test just once more. 00:16:28.439 --> 00:16:30.860 Recognize that I'm feeble and faltering. 00:16:31.360 --> 00:16:33.360 Please come and help me. 00:16:36.360 --> 00:16:40.500 I told you earlier, this is a simple and short story 00:16:40.500 --> 00:16:43.819 with just a basic couple few principles. 00:16:44.639 --> 00:16:49.259 The first was this, that obedience is often a fearful thing. 00:16:49.259 --> 00:16:55.500 And the second is this, God delights to meet his people 00:16:55.500 --> 00:16:57.580 who are faltering and fearful. 00:16:59.279 --> 00:17:03.600 God delights to meet his people who are faltering and fearful. 00:17:04.240 --> 00:17:07.400 He delights to grow their faith. 00:17:09.900 --> 00:17:13.220 Now, if you have a negative view of Gideon, 00:17:13.519 --> 00:17:15.160 you're probably thinking at this point, 00:17:15.240 --> 00:17:16.619 okay, great, what are we supposed to do? 00:17:16.700 --> 00:17:18.619 Should we all just start putting out fleeces? 00:17:19.619 --> 00:17:22.379 Anytime something happens and we're not sure, 00:17:22.839 --> 00:17:25.719 we should come up with some crazy sign, 00:17:26.139 --> 00:17:27.679 go to God with it and say, 00:17:27.819 --> 00:17:31.179 okay, if you're powerful enough, then you'll do this. 00:17:31.879 --> 00:17:35.879 And if you don't keep my car free of frost, 00:17:35.939 --> 00:17:37.259 even though it's snowing overnight, 00:17:37.579 --> 00:17:39.799 I'll know that you're not powerful enough. 00:17:41.479 --> 00:17:42.719 That's the fear, right? 00:17:42.759 --> 00:17:44.719 If we don't see Gideon as negative, 00:17:44.939 --> 00:17:48.319 then we're going to start doing all sorts of strange things, 00:17:48.319 --> 00:17:52.379 requiring God to intervene if we're going to obey. 00:17:53.700 --> 00:17:55.319 But remember a few things. 00:17:55.379 --> 00:17:59.000 First of all, Gideon is not asking what he should do. 00:17:59.220 --> 00:18:00.379 He already knows. 00:18:01.339 --> 00:18:02.399 He says, 00:18:02.400 --> 00:18:12.360 Gideon is not looking for direction. 00:18:13.360 --> 00:18:16.160 Gideon is not looking for a sign to know what he should do. 00:18:16.420 --> 00:18:20.120 He's asking for a sign to remind him of God's power. 00:18:20.960 --> 00:18:22.480 He's not really looking for direction. 00:18:22.960 --> 00:18:24.000 He knows the direction. 00:18:24.440 --> 00:18:25.980 He's looking for assurance. 00:18:25.980 --> 00:18:30.420 He's simply asking God to remind him of his power. 00:18:30.420 --> 00:18:36.759 In fact, we see a similar thing in other parts of the Old Testament. 00:18:36.900 --> 00:18:38.580 In Exodus chapter 4, 00:18:39.080 --> 00:18:41.580 Moses is also given signs by God 00:18:41.580 --> 00:18:43.200 to remind him, 00:18:43.340 --> 00:18:44.259 hey, I'm powerful. 00:18:44.480 --> 00:18:45.120 I'm with you. 00:18:45.940 --> 00:18:47.140 Moses needs signs. 00:18:47.340 --> 00:18:48.460 Gideon needs signs. 00:18:49.640 --> 00:18:52.560 We do not, however, follow Gideon's example. 00:18:52.559 --> 00:18:55.460 We do not follow Gideon's example 00:18:55.460 --> 00:18:58.859 by coming up with tricks for God to perform, 00:18:59.099 --> 00:19:01.720 not because Gideon is wrong, 00:19:02.240 --> 00:19:05.259 but because Gideon is obsolete. 00:19:06.659 --> 00:19:08.559 I'll explain what that means in a minute. 00:19:09.179 --> 00:19:12.279 We don't come up with signs for God to perform, 00:19:12.720 --> 00:19:14.759 to remind us of his power, 00:19:15.099 --> 00:19:17.980 not because Gideon is wrong in what he does, 00:19:18.200 --> 00:19:20.740 but because Gideon is obsolete. 00:19:20.740 --> 00:19:22.900 And what I mean by that is this. 00:19:23.859 --> 00:19:26.660 Gideon did not know what we know. 00:19:28.200 --> 00:19:31.500 Gideon lived on a different side 00:19:31.500 --> 00:19:33.940 of Christ's death and resurrection. 00:19:34.920 --> 00:19:36.839 Moses, in Exodus 4, 00:19:36.920 --> 00:19:39.120 who received signs from God, 00:19:39.579 --> 00:19:42.519 lived before Christ's death and resurrection. 00:19:43.140 --> 00:19:44.339 In other words, 00:19:44.559 --> 00:19:47.380 we do not ask God for a sign 00:19:47.380 --> 00:19:51.600 because we have received God's greatest sign. 00:19:52.680 --> 00:19:57.160 There is nothing more powerful on offer 00:19:57.160 --> 00:20:01.460 than God's resurrection of his own son. 00:20:03.380 --> 00:20:06.120 Gideon does not know what we know. 00:20:07.020 --> 00:20:10.200 He is not as familiar with God as we are. 00:20:10.560 --> 00:20:14.320 He cannot see everything that is to come. 00:20:14.319 --> 00:20:18.259 Christian, you look back. 00:20:19.919 --> 00:20:23.220 When we doubt and question God's power, 00:20:23.579 --> 00:20:26.519 we have something much more glorious 00:20:26.519 --> 00:20:28.740 than dew on a fleece. 00:20:29.599 --> 00:20:34.480 We have the resurrection of the Son of God. 00:20:35.619 --> 00:20:39.159 There is no greater sign. 00:20:39.160 --> 00:20:45.180 God delights to meet his people 00:20:45.180 --> 00:20:47.759 who are faltering and fearful. 00:20:48.560 --> 00:20:51.400 We have more assurance already 00:20:51.400 --> 00:20:54.120 than Gideon could dream of. 00:20:54.680 --> 00:20:56.700 This is on page seven of your worship guide. 00:20:57.380 --> 00:20:58.519 When we, like Gideon, 00:20:58.620 --> 00:21:00.620 find ourselves doubting God's promises 00:21:00.620 --> 00:21:01.700 or God's presence, 00:21:01.940 --> 00:21:04.440 we can ask him to point us again 00:21:04.440 --> 00:21:05.940 to his son saying, 00:21:06.400 --> 00:21:07.500 I do believe, 00:21:07.940 --> 00:21:09.900 help me overcome my unbelief. 00:21:10.320 --> 00:21:12.660 This is what Gideon needed and received. 00:21:13.380 --> 00:21:16.720 God will do the same for us. 00:21:18.380 --> 00:21:20.100 We don't ask for signs 00:21:20.100 --> 00:21:24.160 because we have the greatest sign. 00:21:25.220 --> 00:21:26.820 We don't ask for signs 00:21:26.820 --> 00:21:29.740 because we have what Gideon didn't have. 00:21:30.140 --> 00:21:32.559 We have our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 00:21:32.559 --> 00:21:35.279 We know what Gideon didn't know, 00:21:36.059 --> 00:21:39.500 which is that God sent his one and only Son 00:21:39.500 --> 00:21:41.899 to become a human in this world. 00:21:42.919 --> 00:21:44.879 He lived the perfect life 00:21:44.879 --> 00:21:45.919 that we should have lived. 00:21:46.480 --> 00:21:50.139 He died the death that we should have died. 00:21:51.159 --> 00:21:54.259 And it's not even worth thinking about 00:21:54.259 --> 00:21:56.019 dew on fleece 00:21:56.019 --> 00:21:58.019 when we can look back 00:21:58.019 --> 00:22:00.879 to Christ's resurrection from the dead. 00:22:02.559 --> 00:22:07.460 If we ever doubt then 00:22:07.460 --> 00:22:10.519 that God's promises are true, 00:22:11.379 --> 00:22:14.639 if we face up against the fear 00:22:14.639 --> 00:22:17.139 that comes with following God 00:22:17.139 --> 00:22:18.220 and obeying him, 00:22:18.599 --> 00:22:20.359 the answer for us is this, 00:22:20.399 --> 00:22:22.899 that we do look to God for a sign, 00:22:23.279 --> 00:22:24.759 but it's the sign we're told about 00:22:24.759 --> 00:22:27.179 in 2 Corinthians 1, verse 20, 00:22:27.180 --> 00:22:31.600 which is that all of the promises of God 00:22:31.600 --> 00:22:35.259 are yes and amen in Christ. 00:22:36.860 --> 00:22:39.500 Will God provide for us 00:22:39.500 --> 00:22:41.600 if we obey him in generosity? 00:22:43.039 --> 00:22:45.220 Yes, because of Christ. 00:22:46.080 --> 00:22:48.000 Will God sustain us 00:22:48.000 --> 00:22:49.920 if we are rejected by the world 00:22:49.920 --> 00:22:52.140 for standing for what is true? 00:22:52.759 --> 00:22:55.160 Yes, because of Christ. 00:22:55.160 --> 00:22:58.460 Will God provide 00:22:58.460 --> 00:23:00.740 when we sacrifice 00:23:00.740 --> 00:23:04.040 for the marginalized and the outcast? 00:23:05.259 --> 00:23:08.180 Yes, not because of a fleece, 00:23:08.440 --> 00:23:10.200 but because of Christ. 00:23:11.480 --> 00:23:14.900 Remember Romans 8, verses 31 and 32. 00:23:15.480 --> 00:23:17.340 If he gave you his son, 00:23:17.339 --> 00:23:20.500 will he not also with him 00:23:20.500 --> 00:23:23.039 give you all things? 00:23:28.039 --> 00:23:29.279 What do we do 00:23:29.279 --> 00:23:30.599 when following God 00:23:30.599 --> 00:23:31.879 causes us to tremble? 00:23:32.679 --> 00:23:34.980 We look to the greatest sign 00:23:34.980 --> 00:23:36.279 he has ever given. 00:23:36.639 --> 00:23:37.759 We look to his son. 00:23:38.619 --> 00:23:41.859 We remember that all the promises of God 00:23:41.859 --> 00:23:45.379 are yes and amen in Christ. 00:23:48.019 --> 00:23:49.919 In his autobiography, 00:23:50.299 --> 00:23:51.119 About Faith, 00:23:51.419 --> 00:23:52.379 the army legend, 00:23:53.039 --> 00:23:54.119 Colonel David Hackworth 00:23:54.119 --> 00:23:55.599 tells the story of his time 00:23:55.599 --> 00:23:57.159 in the Korean War. 00:23:57.740 --> 00:23:58.659 And during this time, 00:23:58.719 --> 00:23:59.699 he was going through 00:23:59.699 --> 00:24:01.219 days and days 00:24:01.219 --> 00:24:02.519 of very little sleep 00:24:02.519 --> 00:24:04.659 and extremely cold nights. 00:24:05.159 --> 00:24:06.419 And he came to a point 00:24:06.419 --> 00:24:07.059 where he decided 00:24:07.059 --> 00:24:07.799 he had had enough. 00:24:07.799 --> 00:24:11.119 And so he devised a plan 00:24:11.119 --> 00:24:12.139 to get himself 00:24:12.139 --> 00:24:13.259 out of the Korean War. 00:24:13.960 --> 00:24:16.000 He found a grenade 00:24:16.000 --> 00:24:17.419 and he emptied 00:24:17.419 --> 00:24:18.799 some of the powder out of it 00:24:18.799 --> 00:24:19.740 so that it didn't have 00:24:19.740 --> 00:24:20.539 its full force. 00:24:21.559 --> 00:24:22.519 And his plan 00:24:22.519 --> 00:24:24.000 was to dangle his leg 00:24:24.000 --> 00:24:24.599 in a hole, 00:24:25.680 --> 00:24:27.000 throw the grenade down, 00:24:27.399 --> 00:24:28.839 and injure himself 00:24:28.839 --> 00:24:29.899 just enough 00:24:29.899 --> 00:24:31.639 that he could go back home. 00:24:33.619 --> 00:24:34.799 Right as he was about 00:24:34.799 --> 00:24:35.460 to do this, 00:24:35.519 --> 00:24:36.299 he says this, 00:24:36.299 --> 00:24:38.180 And I was just about 00:24:38.180 --> 00:24:39.440 to pull that pin 00:24:39.440 --> 00:24:40.720 when I saw 00:24:40.720 --> 00:24:42.059 the most beautiful sight, 00:24:42.940 --> 00:24:45.059 a sight that every infantryman 00:24:45.059 --> 00:24:45.700 in Korea 00:24:45.700 --> 00:24:46.859 dreamed of seeing. 00:24:47.359 --> 00:24:48.619 It was the sun 00:24:48.619 --> 00:24:50.200 slowly rising. 00:24:50.960 --> 00:24:51.980 It meant that 00:24:51.980 --> 00:24:53.119 the terrible night 00:24:53.119 --> 00:24:54.279 was over. 00:24:55.799 --> 00:24:57.099 And so he doesn't pull the pin, 00:24:57.559 --> 00:24:59.359 he stays in Korea. 00:25:00.440 --> 00:25:01.599 Brothers and sisters, 00:25:01.759 --> 00:25:03.619 the resurrection of Christ 00:25:03.619 --> 00:25:05.919 Christ is the rising 00:25:05.919 --> 00:25:07.000 of the sun. 00:25:08.139 --> 00:25:10.659 It is the reminder to us 00:25:10.659 --> 00:25:12.019 that the dark night 00:25:12.019 --> 00:25:12.819 is over. 00:25:12.939 --> 00:25:13.919 It reminds us that 00:25:13.919 --> 00:25:15.459 no matter what we face, 00:25:15.559 --> 00:25:16.819 no matter how much 00:25:16.819 --> 00:25:17.519 we fear 00:25:17.519 --> 00:25:18.719 or tremble, 00:25:19.279 --> 00:25:20.479 the terrible night 00:25:20.479 --> 00:25:21.339 is over. 00:25:22.619 --> 00:25:23.759 When we're afraid 00:25:23.759 --> 00:25:24.439 to obey, 00:25:25.579 --> 00:25:27.259 it reminds us 00:25:27.259 --> 00:25:28.559 that all the promises 00:25:28.559 --> 00:25:29.299 of God 00:25:29.299 --> 00:25:30.539 are yes 00:25:30.539 --> 00:25:31.659 and amen 00:25:31.659 --> 00:25:33.259 in Christ. 00:25:34.519 --> 00:25:35.139 Let's pray. 00:25:36.899 --> 00:25:37.960 Our Father in heaven, 00:25:38.099 --> 00:25:39.259 we praise you 00:25:39.259 --> 00:25:39.759 and thank you 00:25:39.759 --> 00:25:40.420 for your word 00:25:40.420 --> 00:25:41.259 and we praise you 00:25:41.259 --> 00:25:41.960 and thank you 00:25:41.960 --> 00:25:42.920 for your mercy 00:25:42.920 --> 00:25:44.440 and your grace 00:25:44.440 --> 00:25:46.500 that you don't despise us 00:25:46.500 --> 00:25:47.480 in our fears 00:25:47.480 --> 00:25:48.099 and our doubts, 00:25:48.200 --> 00:25:49.440 but you meet us there. 00:25:50.299 --> 00:25:51.379 You sustain us, 00:25:51.440 --> 00:25:52.200 you strengthen us, 00:25:52.519 --> 00:25:53.180 and we ask that you 00:25:53.180 --> 00:25:54.279 would do that again today. 00:25:54.460 --> 00:25:55.240 You'd remind us 00:25:55.240 --> 00:25:56.059 of the great hope 00:25:56.059 --> 00:25:57.579 that we have in Christ, 00:25:57.579 --> 00:25:59.339 that we would believe 00:25:59.339 --> 00:25:59.960 more and more 00:25:59.960 --> 00:26:00.740 what you tell us 00:26:00.740 --> 00:26:01.159 in Romans, 00:26:01.259 --> 00:26:02.439 that if you've given us him, 00:26:02.960 --> 00:26:03.919 will you not with him 00:26:03.919 --> 00:26:05.480 give us all things? 00:26:05.819 --> 00:26:06.899 We ask these things 00:26:06.899 --> 00:26:08.220 in his name, 00:26:08.679 --> 00:26:09.220 the mighty name 00:26:09.220 --> 00:26:10.099 of our Lord and Savior, 00:26:10.259 --> 00:26:10.919 Jesus Christ. 00:26:11.220 --> 00:26:11.500 Amen.