Over the past few weeks, I have been having a ton of fun with this series. You see, last week, I gave the congregation a small glimpse into the way my brain works when it comes to prepping for a sermon. For example, in 25 years of preaching, I have never used the same sermon twice and, in each case, I have wandered down so many rabbit holes that I have a wealth of useless trivia that would rival even that of the almighty Cliff Claven. Now, I will admit, I come from it honestly because my Dad could rattle off all sorts of trivia for just about every occasion. Not all the trivia is useful, such as “what is the boiling point of mercury at sea level?” (347 degrees Celsius). Here, however, is a very interesting thing about rabbit trails when it comes to rabbit trails, at times, it does add a better understanding to Scripture when one reads in context and applies the wisdom with that in mind. I was once told that Eugene Peterson spent years honing his skills as a scholar and pastor, reading and researching all he could before he carefully and thoughtfully translated the Holy Scriptures into conversational English so that even more would be able to appreciate and read God’s Word. He did not pursue this to rebel against those translations that were widely accepted as proper, in fact he invited biblical scholars to read through his translations and asked them for their input and approval. I met Mr. Peterson a couple decades ago and listened as he not only opened up about his adventure in researching and writing the Message but was also fascinated to listen as he wandered through the rabbit trails that helped him better understand the Word.
With all that said, this week I will continue to work through the book of Judges and the story of Gideon. Did you know that Gideon was chosen to not only free the people of Israel from their oppressors but also to condemn their idolatry? Here is a guy with next to nothing for an army, a man who was witness to the absolute power of the Lord while leading a very small force and who turned down the kingship. Did you know that his actions afterwards the battle led to the Israelites once again worship false gods after he used the spoils of war to create an ephod? Did you know that we, too, face these issues still? Jeremiah 10:1-16 is very clear about idol worship and the power that false idols have upon the world and I will touch on this Sunday but let me throw this out there as an appetiser:
Say this to those who worship other gods: “Your so-called gods, who did not make the heavens and earth, will vanish from the earth and from under the heavens.” Jer 10:11
Idols are worthless; they are ridiculous lies! On the day of reckoning they will all be destroyed. But the God of Israel is no idol! He is the Creator of everything that exists, including Israel, his own special possession. The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is his name! Jer 10:15-16
Why is this so important when studying Gideon? What does this have to do with today? Tune in Sunday to find out.
This week, Pastor Todd will be continuing a mini series on “Did You Know”, a look at little known facts in the Scriptures and how they still relate to our lives today. Please plan to join us either in person or online at 10:30 AM this Sunday. The service will be broadcast online on our website (https://www.mainavefellowship.ca/socialplatforms ), or you are more than welcome to join us in person at 402 Main Ave. W in Sundre, AB.
Blessings,
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