1170 BC (Judges 6-7)
The enemy:
The Midianites
- Were a
- They destroyed
- Gathered an
Result: The people are
-
-
Gods solution is simple: raise up a
But the leader that God raises up raises
Gideon is the least in the weakest family.
God’s plan is
- God reduces army from 32,000 to 300.
- The weapons are: Trumpets, empty jars, torches
Why?
“You have to many men for ME to deliver Midian into your hands, in order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her” —Judges 7:2
Who wins?
730 BC (Isaiah 9)
Enemies
1 External enemy:
They wanted to destroy everyone.
2 Internal enemy: sinful choices.
- They wanted to be their own
- They
- And they rejected God’s
Result
- Thick
- Distress and hunger
- The population was
- There is sadness and despair everywhere
- There is
Gods solution is simple: raise up a leader
God is promising to raise up a leader that will
- bring perfect, permanent
- be a light in the
- reverse the decrease
- be victorious
- take the throne NOW and stay on it
But the leader that God raises up raises some questions
The leader is a
Unto us a CHILD is born, unto us a son is given. —Isaiah 9:6
God promises
A child that is also a
A king that is also a wonderful
A king that is also
Mighty God that is also everlasting
A
Who wins? The
Fast forward 730 years
Enemy
External enemy: Rome
Internal enemy: sinful choices
God’s solution: send that promised child.
The angel said to Mary, “Do not be afraid, Mary. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be GREAT and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, his kingdom will never end.” —Luke 1:30-33
God raises up THE leader … from the
Who wins?
Today
We have seen what God can do
So we
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Questions for Discussion
1 The “child” (Jesus) is given at least four names - which name is most significant to you?
2 What does it look like for you to live in a way that anticipates God’s “ridiculous” work?
3 Can you be more specific about the “enemies” in your life? For instance, name specific sins or external threats. Share with somebody and pray for protection and help.