The Brinkley argus., 1915-01-15

We nave before us now the fOurtn apostasy and servitude of Israel, one which seems to have affected chiefly the four northernmost tribes (v. 35). In preparation for the call and work of Gideon, the sixth judge, "the chil- dren of Israel cried unto heaven" and God sent unto them prophet who en- couraged their Tagging faith in Jeho- yah and turned them back to him (6:1-10). The now impoverished and overridden Israelites, who had enjoyed prosperity after their former deliver ance, had again done evil and must first judge their sin and obey the voice of Jehovah before they could receive a message of hope and deliverance through one of Jehovah's prophets. Gods Call to Gideon.
 l. Gideon in Prayer, w. 11-13. That the "angel of Jehovah" was mani- festation of Jehovah is clear from a careful reading of verse 13. There the first use of the word lord" is not cap italized, whereas in le second in- stance it is capitalized This angel was foreshadowing O.. the incarna- tion in Jesus of Nazareth. He is clearly identified with Jehovah (eee Judges z:1, g.; Gen. 16:1O, IS, R. VI. It was thus that Abraham saw "my day" (John 8:56). "The angel of the Lord" at no time appears after Jesus came. as the revised text shows. The no- madic Midianites brought ruin to h. rael as the bitter fruit of it's sin. Then was uttered the cry for relief (Ps- 130). The father of Gideon is passed by, for he was worshiper of Baal (v. 25). They who bear the vessels of the Lord. those through whom he works, must have clean hands. Gods call to Gid. con came to him CD while he was alone, as he was threshing wheat in the hiding place Of a winepress, for he dare not thresh in the customary open place of a threshing floor This call came to him '(2) ,as he was faith. fully performing his duty, that one nearest his hand (v.s11, Ex- 3:1, 2; Luke 2:8, 9).
 II. Gideon in Doubt,svv 13A6. Gid cons thought must have been one o1 amazement as well as of doubt His question, Why then is all this befal len us?" was most natural 0ne and one that men even now are asking when they are in great trouble. Suf fering and misery are not all to b., laic at Gods door, though he permit it, but chiefly at the door of sin CPS. IT. 7-9; 1sa. 49:1, 9. It is possible that Gid con had not yet recognized his hea V enly visitor (cf. V. 21. The name , Gideon means 'sHewerr-o or ' tTreefellerA and indicates, as all eastern names do. something of his personal character or appearance. Hence the significance of V. A. The Lord in the person o1 the angel looked upon, him and said seeing all of his natural qualifications but with the emphasis upon the "I'- "Go in thy might < have not sent thee?'
 Gideon Was thesAgent.
 III. Gideon Assured, W.. 33-35. Gid heavenly communication was one of worship (vv. 17-26). His second one was to take ten pick ed man and over throw the altar to Baal, tn ereby dem onstrating the impotence of Baal and the futility of calling upon him fol deliverance. The tribesmen at once light upon him as having performed this act and demand his d cath from Joash, his father, who seems to have been sort of caretaker o1, the fdo (v.25). These same men lah sr become Gideon's enthusiastic follow 7ers (vv 34, 35). Gideon thus translat, sd theor, into action and gained confid ence. l was one man against the col immunity and to further rebuke them he erected an altar to Jehovah (v. 28).
 ". Gideon's Caution, w. 36A 10. Spur geon said that he never entered hi' pulpit to preach without trembling and Gideon would have been mor' than human, even after as sembling hi army, had he been absolut ely free iron doubts. We should never place al 'if' before any Of Gods promises, an' Jesus reprimanded those of his da' when they denlanded a rsign" (wou der), but Gideon proved his heroisr in part by his caution. Gideon wa afraid of himself but was sure of Goo Once assured of Gods le ading he wa willing to lead 300 mer against tn overwhelming force of hi enemies. such demand was ' geakness Go dealt with it with marve aous patienc and tenderness, just as h. condescend to treat our weaknesses. The very If of the nation is at stake, c werything d' pends upon .ideon's succe ss or failtfr'
 Caution and courage re never fa apart. Caution 1T the sol Il of courags
 The fleece suggests : figure Of fo lorn Israeli" the dew, tho presence the Holy Spirit. In the aid dispens' tion the dew rested upon Israel whil others were dry. In this dfispensatio Israel is dry while the dew CT Go rests upon the nations.
 When God calls lift ugur soul prayer and follow in the direction leads. As you lift your t:soul befo' God it will wax or wane. Inf it wane abandon it; if it waxe S follow
 though all hell attempt tc stay you F. B. Meyer.