Israel 2022 - Reflection #20 - Spring of Herod

 

I have always loved the Biblical account of Gideon. My favorite verses are Judges 6:13-16 (NLT) -- 

"Sir," Gideon replied, "if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?  And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? Didn't they say, 'The Lord brought us up out of Egypt? But now the Lord has abandoned us and handed us over to the Midianites.' Then the Lord turned to him and said, "Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites, I am sending you!" "But Lord," Gideon replied, "how can I rescue Israel? My clan is weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!" The Lord said to him, "I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man."

Have you ever had the same thoughts Gideon expressed to the Lord?  Have you ever questioned, "Where are all the miracles we have been told about?" Have you ever voiced, "Lord how could you choose me with all my faults and weaknesses to spread the Gospel in our community?"  I can not tell you the number of times my prayers have been filled with these thoughts. I need to remember Gideon. Praise God that he uses the weak and inadequate to fulfill his purposes. 

Before I knelt to get a drink from the Spring of Herod, I instantly felt a panic. Yikes! I could not remember which was the correct method. Our leader said if we did it incorrectly, we would be left behind. He was joking, right? -- Just for clarification, the 300 soldiers were chosen after they drank from their cupped hand instead of lapping the water like a dog. I passed the test! (Judges 7:1-7)

Gideon went from an Army of 22,000 strong down to a small band of 300 men. God wanted everyone to know that it was only through his power and might that the Israelites defeated the Midianites. Such a great example for us today!

Stephanie and I have been called to the mission-field right here in our community. We really wanted to serve overseas, but God had different plans. For the past three months, I have felt much like Gideon. I have felt totally inadequate, without the resources to do what we are called to do. Yet, God is at work. I can feel his power and he quietly sends messages to assure us we are on his path. I praise God for the reminder of how he can take even the weakest of the clans and perform amazing feats of power and might. Thank You, Lord!

This was such a fun peaceful moment enjoying the waters coming from Herod's Spring. This was a great little park in the middle of a lot of hot arid country. This stream fed a small lake filled with families enjoying the crystal clear water coming from the cave.