The Midianites were dessert warriors who raided the Israelites at harvest time. Riding camels they would swoop into the northern farm country and take whatever they could. It says in Judges that their numbers were like the locusts. The farmers had little protection and the sight of the raiders on camels was very frightening. This went on for seven years around 1200 B.C.
Gideon was a farmer in this region. As with most of the farmers, he took to hiding from the raids. He was soon called by God to take a force and fight these marauders. At first, there were 32,000 volunteers. God said that was too many. The ones who were frightened left. Now there are 10,000. Still it is too many. A little test is provided and 300 are left. They divide into 3 companies of 100 and surround the warriors at night. Carrying trumpets and pottery jars and shouting, the surprise is complete. The entire story can be found in Judges 7 & 8.
Now skip ahead to John 6 beginning at verse 22 and going to the end of the chapter. Jesus speaks of the bread of life at length. At this time, he has many followers. Many thought of themselves as disciples. And many of them began ‘murmuring’ after they listened to Jesus’ words. After a confrontation, many left and didn’t come back. Jesus was left with 12. The sermon was about how to be one of the 300 or one of the 12. It is a great sermon for anyone who wants to be counted on the winning side.
Copies of the sermon are always available and we would love to send you a CD of it. They are free. Call (417) 543-6219 to get a copy. However, if you would rather just pick one up, they are available at Strong’s Watch Shop in Barnes Shopping Center, Ava.
