Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Transformed Perspectives
Judges 6:7-16
The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.” (16)

This passage reveals God’s intervention amidst the backsliding attitude of His people. The people who were redeemed by the intervention of God from the bondage of Egypt, is now under new bondage due to the rejection of God's word. They faced the chaos of being under the threat of Midian and God explained to them that this was because of their rejection of His word. Here God calls Gideon to lead the people to freedom. But Gideon has some doubts and questions about God’s presence and power. He was not convinced of his own power and strength to lead the people. Here God educated him and strengthened his faith to lead the people. God reminded and taught Gideon two important things that changed his perspectives about this mission.

Who is the sender?
God said this to Gideon “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” (14) Many of us forget this when we are assigned to certain tasks for His kingdom. God is the one who is sending us. This will change the whole perspective of our life and mission. We are sent into this world means that we have a sender and who gives us the courage and strength to go forward with the mission that we are entrusted with. 

Who is the companion?
Even after understanding who is the sender, Gideon still had more doubts. Now the doubt is about his own ability to lead the mission. Here God is assuring about His presence in this mission. God said “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.” (16) This assurance about God’s presence and companionship in life is something that takes us forward. This education and intervention of God transformed Gideon and his perspectives.  

Do we have this faith in our lives? Who we are and what we do are not the important questions but who is the sender and who is our companion are important convictions that we need to uphold in life.
 
Prayer
Lord help us to know who you are and your presence with me today. Amen
 
Rev. V. M. Mathew
Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, Kottayam.

Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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