From Gideon To Jerubbaal
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | February 25, 2024
Open to Judges 6:11-16, 32. Today’s sermon, “From Gideon To Jerubbaal,” is the seventh in our angelic encounters series. The text says: “The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man… go in this thy might.” Let’s pray: Father, thank You for Your Word and this host. Heal the sick, save the lost, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
For seven years, Midian ravaged Israel, driving them to caves. Gideon threshed wheat in secret when an angel called him “mighty man of valor,” tasking him to deliver his people. His father renamed him Jerubbaal—“Baal’s contender”—after he toppled an altar. Three lessons unfold.
Disillusioned With Life
“If the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us?” (v. 13). Gideon, hiding, doubted God’s presence amid Midian’s cruelty. Like the prodigal son, he typifies our disillusionment—chasing worldly lures, only to find despair. Yet the angel’s visit whispers hope: God sees us, even in our lows.
Discovering Potential In Christ
“Thou mighty man of valour… Surely I will be with thee” (vv. 12, 16). Why “mighty” when Gideon felt least? God saw not his past or present, but his potential. Past sins? Forgiven. Present struggles? Irrelevant. In Christ, Gideon became a warrior—proof we’re more than we think.
Delivering Others Through Us
“Go in this thy might… thou shalt save Israel” (v. 14). God used Gideon’s existing strength—wheat-threshing grit—to rout Midian with 300 men. Your talents—singing, personality, faithfulness—can deliver others too. Surrender them, and the Spirit amplifies your impact.
