In the book of Judges, the familiar story of Gideon challenges us to go in God’s strength and fear no enemy regardless of size. With only 300 men, lamps, water pots, and trumpets; the Lord delivered the entire host of Midian into the hands of Israel.
What may not be such common knowledge, is how Gideon perused after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of the Midianites. We see in Chapter 8, two towns refused to feed the army of Gideon while on their way through doing the Lord’s work. It sort of reminds me of the average 10 pastors I would contact before one pastor would allow me to share our ministry in their church.
Once Gideon caught up with these two evil kings, the Bible records this event:
And he said unto Jether his firstborn, Up, and slay them. But the youth drew not his sword: for he feared, because he was yet a youth. (Judges 8:20)
Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us: for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ornaments that were on their camels’ necks. (Judges 8:21)
The Bible says Gideon’s son was afraid to slay the kings because he was yet a youth. My first thought was “hey, King David was a youth when he killed Goliath wasn’t he?” Notice these verses:
And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. (1 Samuel 17:33)
King Saul was accustom to “hiding in the stuff” so he didn’t quite know how to handle this guy who feared only GOD. (The fear of man bringeth a snare Proverbs 29:25) If I had listened to everyone who told me “it can’t be done,” I wouldn’t be here in Germany, that’s for sure. David displayed the power of his GOD by toppling the Giant with a small stone. After the *thud* and assumed roar of the crowd, this “youth” confirmed his kill.
So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. (1 Samuel 17:50)
Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled. (1 Samuel 17:51)
As I always tell Stacy when teaching her self defense, “dead men tell no tales.” Don’t ever give that criminal a chance to lie in a court of law and put you away forever. Make sure he is dead! When eliminating sin out of ones life, I recommend making sure it’s DEAD!
Now then, back to Gideon’s son. Why didn’t he slay those kings on the command of his father? He was yet a youth. The youth issue didn’t pose a problem for David did it? How about when Paul told Timothy, “let no man despise thy youth.” You know what I think? Teenagers could do a lot more for God than people realize. Society expects little more out of our youth than to hang out with friends, download i-tunes, post on facebook, and play video games.
I learned a secret as a young man. Young people are normally afraid, however; Christians are commanded not to be afraid. Yong people are often like animals who puff themselves up or flair their feathers in order to ward off predators. The little critter is scared out of it’s mind, but it puts on a show in hopes of chasing away the danger. Press the issue with these and they normally tuck tail and run. Likewise, when a spirit filled Christian youth is not afraid; he can accomplish great things for God. He can be a leader among his piers. He can share the message of the Gospel without shame or fear and others will listen. Many will admire the courage and see an example worth following. What about you? If you saw how big GOD is, you wouldn’t hesitate because of fear. CHARGE THE LINE!!!
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