STOP FLEECING THE SHEPHERD (15 OF 42)
by Mike Stone
Scripture: Judges 6:30-40
This content is part of a series.
Stop Fleecing the Shepherd (15 of 42)
Series: The Coming King: Finding Jesus in Judges
Mike Stone
Judges 6:33-40
In those days there was no king in Israel and every man did that which was right in his own eyes. Our study of Judges is the story of Israel's rebellion and their longing for a king. God in His Providence raised up a series of judges to deliver the people. But they are each inferior, inadequate and insufficient as would be the kings who would follow them. And all of this is designed to prepare them and us for the reign of King Jesus.
So, as we move through these texts, we are watching for Christ and we are committed to finding Jesus in Judges. In this lesson, we will examine one of the best known portions of the Gideon narrative and one of the more controversial passages in this book. In the process, I want to give you a simple word of encouragement: Stop fleecing the Shepherd. (Judges 6:33-40)
As the 6th chapter of Judges draws to a close, we encounter one of the best-known stories of this book. In fact, it's one of the best-known stories of the entire Bible. And in my observation, it is one of the most PRACTICED passages in the lives of believers, even those who do not fully understand the context or implications.
All my life, I have heard of people "putting out fleeces" before God. That reference comes from this text. For here, Gideon lays out a literal fleece, a wool rug, and asks God to perform a sign. It's a simple one, yet one which would require Divine intervention.
As my title would indicate, I am not a fan of the fleece. I think the example is more negative than positive. Yet, to be true to the Scripture and faithful to the exposition of the text, the use of this fleece is neither celebrated nor condemned.
Nowhere in the Bible is this practice explicitly condemned. And yet, nowhere in the Bible is it even remotely condoned. I have come to agree with one commentator who notes, "I cannot agree with expositors who charge Gide ...
Series: The Coming King: Finding Jesus in Judges
Mike Stone
Judges 6:33-40
In those days there was no king in Israel and every man did that which was right in his own eyes. Our study of Judges is the story of Israel's rebellion and their longing for a king. God in His Providence raised up a series of judges to deliver the people. But they are each inferior, inadequate and insufficient as would be the kings who would follow them. And all of this is designed to prepare them and us for the reign of King Jesus.
So, as we move through these texts, we are watching for Christ and we are committed to finding Jesus in Judges. In this lesson, we will examine one of the best known portions of the Gideon narrative and one of the more controversial passages in this book. In the process, I want to give you a simple word of encouragement: Stop fleecing the Shepherd. (Judges 6:33-40)
As the 6th chapter of Judges draws to a close, we encounter one of the best-known stories of this book. In fact, it's one of the best-known stories of the entire Bible. And in my observation, it is one of the most PRACTICED passages in the lives of believers, even those who do not fully understand the context or implications.
All my life, I have heard of people "putting out fleeces" before God. That reference comes from this text. For here, Gideon lays out a literal fleece, a wool rug, and asks God to perform a sign. It's a simple one, yet one which would require Divine intervention.
As my title would indicate, I am not a fan of the fleece. I think the example is more negative than positive. Yet, to be true to the Scripture and faithful to the exposition of the text, the use of this fleece is neither celebrated nor condemned.
Nowhere in the Bible is this practice explicitly condemned. And yet, nowhere in the Bible is it even remotely condoned. I have come to agree with one commentator who notes, "I cannot agree with expositors who charge Gide ...
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