Saturday, March 21, 2009

Who'll Be Like Gideon?

This has been a month of remembrances for many people, including myself, as we looked back upon the years of service of two faithful couples: a pastor and his wife serving 40 years at a local church, and a missionary husband & wife who, after 40 years service in the Amazon, are transitioning to ministry here. I thank the Lord for their wonderful examples, for they have taught me so much: how to exhibit Christ's love by caring for and helping others, being a missionary wherever you are (whether called to a foreign field or not, you can win souls to Christ), trust in God's provision, just to name a few ... and they still have so much more to share.

It was delightful to have special services and fellowships to rejoice with them in their ministries. Even in the celebrations, all the glory pointed to Jesus Christ because He is the reason for their ministering and also because He gives the grace to continue on. It's a blessing to have such examples, and it's also a challenge. Now that we've reflected on what God has done in the last 40 years, what are we going to be doing for Him for next 40 years (and beyond)? Their ministries aren't over, and neither are ours! Someday, those who are faithful will look back and be able to say "Jesus led me all the way", but for now, are we going to be like Gideon ... are we stepping up to the plate, doing all that we can for the One Who gave His all for us?

Where is a Gideon?

This is a day when idols are worshiped,
Even God's people are trapped in their snares.
Good men have fallen, standards have shaken -
Where is the answer? Who even cares?

Where is a Gideon? Where is the man
Who'll be a leader, and follow God's plan?
Where is God's champion? Who'll be the one
To stand like Gideon? I'll be that man!

Where is a man who gives up ambition,
Worldly desires are all set aside!
Where is the man, though lowly be service,
Who's satisfied only in Him to abide?

Where is a Gideon? Where is the man
Who'll be a leader and follow God's plan?
Where is God's champion? Who'll be the one
To stand like Gideon? I'll be that man!

Who'll be a Gideon? I'll be that man!
That man!

"Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (I Thessalonians 5:24, Matthew 28:19-20)