HERE'S YOUR SIGN--THE STORY OF GIDEON, PART 4

Sermon Notes, August 23, 2015

Rev. Garry McGlinchy

            Rev. McGlinchy’s sermon was the fourth in his series “The Story of Gideon,” and was based on Judges 6:33-40.  He titled it “Here’s Your Sign.” He talked about his desire as a youth to be a stand-up comedian, and listed some of his favorites: Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Cosby, and Bill Engvall, who wrote a book called “Here’s Your Sign. 

            In the continuing story of Gideon, this week’s scripture tells the story of the fleeces.  Often Christians take the “fleece” in out of context.  We have advantages Gideon did not have: we have the complete Bible, God’s Word, which tells us what He wants from us.  We also have the Holy Spirit to dwell within us and direct us, which Gideon didn’t. 

Demanding extra signs from God is a testament to our unbelief.  It’s as if we’re telling God “I hear you. . . but I’m not so sure.  Do something miraculous.”  It allows fear to come in.  It can surround us, and makes us wait.  We need to stop asking, and just trust.  The more we pull back on the reins, the more we’ll be led to disobedience.  God has called all of us—we all have a purpose, a call.  When fear calls the shots, we commit the sin of disobedience.

Oftentimes the visible signs we ask for reveal things we already know.  If God is speaking to us, He’s already given us our sign.  Gideon was looking for clarity.  He didn’t have all of God’s Word.  We do.  Seek for His guidance, direction and clarity in His Word. 

Make it a practice to meditate on God’s Word, as it says in Psalm 1, day and night.  Jesus is our example; in his temptation in the desert, He was focused on the entire book of Deuteronomy.  Meditate on chunks of the Bible.  We seem to be enamored by sound bytes of God’s Word. When we meditate on whole chunks or whole thoughts, we see connections.  This allows the Holy Spirit more to work with us to bring clarity to what God has called us to do.  We don’t need extra miracles. If He’s not speaking through His Word, step back and seek Him in His Word.  Next time you feel God calling, the Bible is your sign.