Monthly Archives: October 2025

JEHOVAH EL QANNA – THE JEALOUS GOD

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

JEHOVAH EL QANNA – THE JEALOUS GOD

In Hebrew, El Qanna means The Jealous God. The root idea in the Old Testament word ‘jealous’ is “to become intensely red or hot like fire”. It refers to anger, how rising emotion colors our face when we are angry, when someone very dear to us is threatened. God is zealous and eager to protect what is precious to Him. This jealousy compels God to pursue us relentlessly, no matter how hard we try to hide from Him.

“You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exo 20:3). This is the first of the Ten Commandments. God’s jealousy protects His relationship with His people. Idolatry is not just discouraged. It is completely forbidden. Worshipping idols, breaks the covenant relationship between God and His people. Idolatry always brings God’s judgment. “For you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Ex 34:14). This command was spoken on Mount Sinai as God renews the covenant after Israel’s sin of worshipping the golden calf. God insists that He alone must be worshipped. God does not accept any rival in His people’ hearts. God hates and always punishes idolatry. This is a manifestation of His Holiness. His jealousy guards what is rightfully His, our exclusive worship, because He alone is our Creator and Redeemer. The pagan nations worship many gods. Often, God’s people fell into the sin of idolatry. Each time that happened, God’s jealousy manifested as anger. He then punished His people. The name “Jealous” means that God is passionately committed to His covenant relationship with His people. He is faithful to them, and He expects the same from them. Selah!

“I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not yield My glory to another” (Isa 42:8). God’s jealousy manifests as Protecting His Name and Reputation. God’s name reflects His character and must remain uncorrupted. God’s jealousy protects His glory, ensuring that worship centers on the One worthy of it. His glory and our good converge only as we worship Him with all our hearts. In Christ alone we find life, identity, joy, peace and purpose. God’s jealousy is part of His character. It is not like human jealousy, which is selfish, based on fear and insecurity. God’s jealousy is holy and righteous. It is a protective seal for His people and His glory, a manifestation of His uncompromising Holiness and Love. God knows that only in an intimate relationship with Him people can live in peace and prosperity, able to fulfill their destiny. At the same time, God’s jealousy is a warning to His people about the consequences of idolatry and unfaithfulness. Selah!

“Take heed to yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of the Lord your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of anything which the Lord your God has forbidden you. 24 For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God” (Deut 4:23,24). Divine jealousy defends His glory and our good simultaneously. The image of God as a consuming fire serves as a warning of the consequences of disobedience. While God’s consuming fire represents judgment, it also signifies His presence and protection. As believers, we are encouraged to live in obedience to God’s commandments, understanding that His discipline to the backslider is an expression of His love. God’s jealousy comforts us knowing that even when we go astray, He will not abandon us to the enemy. “God is jealous, and the Lord avenges; The Lord avenges and is furious. The Lord will take vengeance on His adversaries, And He reserves wrath for His enemies” (Nahum 1:2). God’s vengeance is a response to injustice and sin. It assures us that God will ultimately right all wrongs, providing comfort to those who suffer under oppression. We are called to trust in God’s timing for justice. While we may not see immediate retribution, we can be assured that God will act according to His perfect plan. Understanding God’s character as avenging and wrathful should lead us to repentance and a renewed commitment to live in obedience to Him.

We are not perfect and no matter how hard we try, we can never be holy enough to come into God’s presence. That is why our God, El Qanna gave us Jesus. He died on the cross so that His blood could pay or atone for our sins. God did all this for us because He is jealous for you and me and provided a way for us to come into His Holy presence. Jesus Christ is Jehovah El Qanna. He loves His Bride with passionate love and calls for undivided loyalty from His followers. He said: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matt 6:24). God demands exclusive worship because He alone is worthy. Idolatry is a betrayal of the covenant relationship with God. Just as God is faithful to His people, He calls us to be faithful in our relationship with Him, avoiding spiritual adultery. Idolatry can take many forms today, including materialism, career, relationships and self-focus. We must guard our hearts and prioritize God above all. Selah!

WHAT IS HUMAN JEALOUSY?

Jealousy is a complex emotion that involves feelings of anger toward another person. It arises from a perceived threat to a valued relationship, such as a partner giving attention to someone else. It is like envy, but not the same. Both jealousy and envy indicate that a person is covetous of something that another has. Jealousy involves the wish to keep what one already has. Envy wishes to get what one does not have. Jealousy refers more to relationships. Envy applies more to other things. Both Envy and jealousy manifest as anger, loneliness, inferiority complex, and bitterness regarding the circumstances of life. Jealousy manifests as fear of loss, suspicion or anger at perceived betrayal. Jealousy hinders spiritual growth by turning one’s focus away from God and onto the perceived success of another.

Distinguishing Godly Jealousy from Sinful Jealousy:

*God’s jealousy is motivated by love, righteousness, the desire to protect what is good. Human jealousy arises from fear of loss or pride.

*God’s jealousy is rooted in His perfect holiness. It is never stained by sin or selfishness. Human jealousy is destructive and manipulative.

*God’s jealousy desires exclusive worship and covenant faithfulness. Human jealousy arises when personal comfort or status is threatened.

Pagans also say that their gods demand loyalty and punish betrayal, but they lack the righteousness and covenant faithfulness found in the God of the Bible. God’s holy, loving jealousy stands out as unique among all religions.

In Nigeria, there is a form of spiritual oppression called “spirit husband” who attaches itself to a female, and “spirit wife” who attaches itself to a man. These are emotionally manipulative demons. They hinder marriages between a man and a woman. The conflict can end in divorce. They hinder financial breakthroughs. The victim experiences poverty, anger and depression for no good reasons. Deliverance is necessary for complete freedom.

Spiritual Ramifications of Human Jealousy:

*Jealousy Disrupts Fellowship. “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice” (Jam 3:16).

*Jealousy obstructs Prayer. We must forgive others when we stand praying (Mk 11:25) A heart corroded by jealousy struggles to pray well.

*Jealousy destroys health of body and mind. “A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones” (PV 14:30)

*Jealousy hinders Spiritual Maturity. Jealousy keeps the focus on self instead of on Christ. It stops growth in grace, wisdom, and love.

Agape Love does not envy (1Cor 13:4), but it is very jealous of us! Faithfulness to God is expected from us! Selah!

PRIEST PHINEAS – EL QANNA’S AMBASSADOR

Read Numbers 25:1-18. This sad story happens just before entering the Promised Land. The Midianite and Moabite women invited the men of Isreal to come and serve their idols, and they seduced them sexually. In the pagan religions, sexual immorality is often connected with idolatry. Every temple had its own male and female prostitutes. The worshippers believed that by having sex with one of the temple’s priestess or servants, they become one with the idol who will then bless them. This is called “harlotry”. This act of spiritual adultery shows wicked ungratefulness in the hearts of Isreal’s men. God has just saved them from Balak, the king of Moab, who hired the false prophet Balaam to curse them to death. Thru sexual sin, Isreal now worships Baal of Peor, the main Canaanite pagan god of fertility. He was the controller of rain and thunder, therefore of agricultural harvests. They worshipped him with human sacrifices or temple sex. He was competing with Jehovah God in the hearts of God’s people. That provoked God to anger and jealousy and punished the people.

To this point in the whole story of the exodus, Israel has sinned in many ways. They grumbled, and complained, not being grateful for God’s generous provision. They worshipped Yahweh in a false way, claiming an image of a golden calf could represent Him. They sinned by their unbelief, refusing to trust God and His promise to enter the Promised Land. But before this, they had never openly worshiped another god. This was a sin of idolatry unlike any previously seen in the exodus. Enticing the people of Israel to idolatry through sexual relationships with pagan women was such a powerful temptation that even captured Solomon, Israel’s king famous for his wisdom (1 Kg 11:1-10).

“So, Israel was joined to Baal of Peor, and the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel”. The Lord’s anger is a manifestation of Him as El Qanna, the Jealous God. The false prophet Balaam tried to curse Israel and could not. Instead, by the inspiration of the LORD, Balaam blessed Israel and cursed her enemies. Yet now, at Baal of Peor, the blessings change into curses. God gets angry. He sends a plague and 24,000 of God’s people die. What the enemy could never accomplish against Israel, Israel did to itself by disobedience. The same principle works today. The mightiest attack of Satan against us can never do as much damage as our own sin and rebellion against the LORD. Satan’s violence and witchcraft can have no lasting influence on the believer; but if he can lead him into sin, he can experience untimely death.

God always judges sin, especially idolatry. It was a public judgment (Nu 25:4,5). The punishment was death by hanging. To Isreal, hanging is a terrible disgrace, a curse. God commands the leaders of each clan to identify the men who had sex with the Moabite women and worshipped Baal, and to kill them. It was a severe punishment because idolatry is a serious sin. When sin such as this is tolerated or even approved in a culture, it is a sure sign of destruction. The LORD, speaking through Moses, would not accept that sin. He commanded the community (the leaders and the people) to bring the offenders to be judged, to show they would not accept this kind of sin in their midst.

As Moses was rebuking the people, and the people were weeping and repenting before God, an Israelite man called Zimri brought a Midianite woman called Cozbi inside the camp. Zimri means Remembrance. Cozbi means Deception. Both were leaders in their respective families. They showed no sense of fear of God, no respect for Moses, no compassion for the many who were weeping and those hung for their sins. Hand in hand, in the presence of all, they went into his tent. Suddenly, Phineas, the grandson of Aaron, the High priest, took a javelin, entered the tent and with one stroke, he killed them together in the very act of fornication. When Zimri and Cozbi openly displayed their fornication, most people became frozen. But Phineas was a man of action. He acted boldly and punished them. He was jealous for God. His anger was a mirror of God’s anger and hatred against sin. The name “Phineas” means “mouth of brass” showing his courage to punish sin.

Phineas was a priest and a gate keeper. “And the Lord was with him” (1Chr 9:19,20).

One of the functions of the priests was to protect God’s presence in the tabernacle. Anyone who trespassed close to the tabernacle, was to be killed. This was to protect the holiness of the presence of God. Priest Phineas protected God’s presence and Name!

Once Phineas killed these two sinners, the plague stopped. But already 24,000 people died during the plague. We often think that one man cannot stop the waves of sin in a community. But God can use one man’s righteous response and passion to defend His name. This is the lesson we take from Phineas. “One with God is the majority” (John Knox). Phineas is a symbol of Christ. Thru death he killed death. But the difference is that Christ did not kill anyone to atone for men’s sin. As the Great High Priest, He willingly laid down His life to save sinners. In the eyes of men, Phineas could be seen as a murderer. But in the eyes of God, Phineas is a hero. God vindicates and honors him. It was not only Phineas’ obedience to the law that God noticed. It was especially the motive of his action. God said that Phineas was “zealous with My zeal among them”. This was a true identification with God as El Qanna. Phinehas was passionate about the things God was passionate about. In this situation, Phineas faithfully demonstrated the zeal of God against Israel’s unfaithfulness to their covenant with God. God promises him that he and his descendants will have an everlasting priesthood. God blessed Phineas with the promise that he would be the descendant of Aaron through whom the priesthood passed. The Blessings of Jehovah Shalom, God’s Peace, became his inheritance.

The resurrected Christ rebuked the Christians in Pergamum. He says: “But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality” (Rev 2:14). Balaam loved money. When he could not curse Isreal because God was protecting them, he counselled Balak to send Midianite women to temp the Israelite men to sexual sins and worship of idols. Balaam said something like this to Balak: “I cannot curse these people. But you can get them to curse themselves by tempting them to rebel against their God. Send your most seducing girls among them. Tell them to tempt the men of Israel to fornication and idolatry.” It worked. Finally, Ballam got the money he wanted. He wanted to die well, like God’s people. He said: “May I die the death of the upright, And may my end be like his!” (Nu 23:10). He enjoyed his sinful money only for a short time. He ended up dead among the enemies of God, disgraced forever (Num 31:7-8). Selah!

With the death of the 24,000, the whole generation of the original rebellious people is gone. At last, God was now ready to take the new generation into the Promised Land. Finally, for seducing them to worship Baal, God commands Isreal to attack the Midianites. They totally defeated them in war. Many women were captured in war. God said that they should kill these women (Nu 31:15-18). Only the virgin women of Midian survived their defeat and were taken as wives by the Israelites.

Lessons from Phineas:

*Learn what God loves and what God hates. Phineas did what God could have done in that situation. Learn to please God and not man!

*Be courageous! Courage is the capacity to control fear and do something that is right, but it is difficult, dangerous and unpleasant.

*Be zealous for God! Zeal is a strong emotion, passion, and enthusiasm that leads to action.

*The javelin that Phineas used is a symbol of The Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God (Eph 6:17). Fight lies with the Truth!

*God responds with Mercy and heals the nation once sin is destroyed in the land!

*God rewards courage and zeal for His name with peace and spiritual blessings upon your descendants! Amen! Worship the Lord!

THE SWORD OF THE LORD AND OF GIDEON

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

THE SWORD OF THE LORD AND OF GIDEON

“It happened on the same night that the Lord said to him, “Arise, go down against the camp, for I have delivered it into your hand!”

God spoke to Gideon in the night (Judges 7:9-25). It was a time of anxiety and vulnerability. God can speak any time He wants. His timing is always perfect. God often speaks when things are quiet. God spoke to Abraham in the night. He assured him that his descendants would be many and brilliant like the stars in the night. God spoke to Jacob in the night, from the top of the ladder that connected heaven and earth. Young Samuel heard God calling him in the night. Then God speaks to Gideon. God speaks to leaders. Their obedience is vital. God gives Gideon two orders and a promise. The first command was “arise”! Faith obeys instantly. Faith is action. God always initiates the action! God often says: stand up! The change from lying down to standing up means to be ready for action. God does not call His people to passivity but to action. Delaying in obedience feeds doubt and hinders victory. By faith, Gideon is ready to battle 135,000 Midianites with only 300 soldiers under his control. Faith does not calculate the mathematics of God’s Word. Faith chooses to obey God, even against all odds. The second order is this: “go down against the camp” of the Midianites. The words “go down” mean to descend. They appear three times in a row. It is a signal to humble themselves. God resists the proud, but He gives grace, His unmerited favor, only to the humble (Jam 4:6). Then God gives His promise: “I have delivered it into your hand”. The verb is in the past. Victory is sure. God announces the victory even before the battle. This shows that God is totally in charge. Victory does not depend on numbers or the strength of the soldiers. Many enemies do not change the result of the war. Victory belongs to the Lord! The Word of God does not need help. It must be believed as you hear it. God’s Word works by itself, and it is the guarantee of the victory. It increased the faith in Gideon. It gave him courage and strength.

THE SITUATION DURING THE TIME OF GIDEON

Because the Israelites disobeyed God and worshipped idols God allowed the Midianites to conquer them. It led to three ways of suffering:

1. Oppression- Occupation by their enemies. Oppression is the exercise of authority or power in a cruel, wicked or unjust manner.

2. Poverty- Failed agriculture and business and abject poverty.

3. Fear- Constant fear, which caused Israel to live like animals in caves, strongholds, and dens of the mountains.  

When Israel got tired of living like this, they cried unto God.  God began raising up a leader to answer their cry.  His name was Gideon.

“And when the LORD raised up judges for them, the LORD was with the judge and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who oppressed them and harassed them” (Jdg 2:18)

The word “judge” means more than a judge in the court. It also means a military leader and deliverer. In times of oppression, when people pray for freedom, it is God who rises a leader. The position of leadership is not the result of selfish ambition or political appointment. It is God’s choice. Spiritual leaders are not self-made, but God appointed. These are qualities that mark a spiritual leader:

*God’s presence is with the leader. Like with Moses and Joshua, God empowers and directs the leader. He gains the trust of the followers.

*The leader’s success depends on God’s presence with him and is not based on his strength or human wisdom.

*The leader delivers God’s people from the enemies. The judge is a Savior and a Deliverer, a symbol of the Lord Jesus Christ!

*God empowers the judge for as long as he lives. After the judge dies, God’s people return to sin, and the cycle of oppression continues.

*God is merciful. He uses the enemies to discipline His people but once they repent and cry in prayer, God intervenes and saves them.

“The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance and victory belong to the LORD” (PV 21:31). In ancient times, horses were a symbol of power, especially in warfare. Preparing a horse for battle was a long and difficult process. This a symbol of the role man plays in getting ready for life’s challenges. We see here that God is sovereign over everything, even in deciding the winer and the loser in battle. Human effort is good, but it is not sufficient to gain victory. Even against all odds, it is God who decides the winner. Victory comes from God’s intervention and grace. That gives us peace and courage. A mature believer has learnt how to balance his own effort in preparation for the challenges of life and faith in God who is sovereign over the outcome. When the victory comes, be sure to give God all the glory!

Fear is a stronghold, difficult to destroy. God knows that Gideon still has some fears. He has called Gideon “a mighty man of valor”, but Gideon still struggles with fears and doubts. This shows God’s understanding of human nature and His compassion towards men. God often chooses weak men who totally depend on Him. God provides all the help we need so that we have no excuse to obey Him. God tells Gideon to go down in the valley where the Midianite army was found. This is a dangerous action. It means to enter enemy’s territory. God provides an assistant to Gideon. It is his personal servant called Purah. His name means “Branch”. This shows the help and encouragement coming from a trusted friend. Every leader should have a trusted assistant that can help him. Moses and Joshua, Paul and Timothy are examples of leaders who had good people to assist them. The ideal marriage means that the husband and wife help one another. Purah is a symbol of the Holy Spirit who goes with us into every battle. Gideon’s obedience is a sign of faith. This shows that faith is not the absence of fear but obeying God despite of fear. Thru obeying this command, God changes Gideon’s fear into faith! God tells Gideon to listen to what the enemies are saying. God can use unexpected sources, even our enemies, to strengthen our faith. This is also a reminder that faith comes by hearing (Rom 10:17). Greater faith will strengthen Gideon’s hands. He becomes courageous as leader to enter the battle. The Midianites were very many, like locusts. Gideon’s success depended on his obedience to God’s unconventional battle plan. Obedience to God’s instructions is crucial, even when they go against any human logic. Selah!

Gideon arrives at the very moment when one of the Midianites tells another about his dream. In the Bible, dreams are significant. He said that suddenly, a loaf of barley bread tumbled in the camp of Midian, struck a tent that fell and was overturned. The barley bread is a lower quality than the wheat bread. It was the bread given to horses or poor people. This loaf of barley bread symbolizes Gideon, who comes from a poor family. The tent that fell and was overturned is a symbol of the total defeat of the enemy’s power. Spiritually, this is a prophetic revelation that the humble man Christ destroyed the devil’s power over men. Gideon could have been intimidated by the great army of the Midianites, but he knew that God gave them this dream as a sign that they will be defeated. See how at the same time, God encouraged His people and discourages their enemies. The Midianite soldier says that the sword of Gideon will destroy them. The sword is a symbol of judgment. He says that God has given Gideon the authority to totally defeat them, even though Isreal’s army was very small. Lesson: God can use pagan soldiers to prophesy His plans among men. He can use a donkey to speak to Prophet Ballaam. The Midianite soldier correctly interprets their defeat just the way Joseph interpreted the dream of the Baker. The soldier declares Midian’s defeat as a settled fact. He says that God “has delivered,” not “will deliver!” God gave a similar word of certainty to Joshua saying: “I have delivered Jericho into your hand” (Josh 6:2). Victory indeed belongs to the Lord! Once Gideon heard the interpretation of the dream, he bowed down and worshipped God. Gideon acknowledged God’s sovereignty, power and faithfulness. Worship is a powerful response to God’s revelation of success. It is confirmation that the victory is sure. This is a spiritual law: Faith leads to worship and to victory. Greatly encouraged, Gideon goes back to his people to get ready for action. Fear and doubt have now become Faith!

Gideon divides the 300 men into three groups. This is a symbol of Trinity. God gives Gideon the strategy for battle. Gideon gives each man a trumpet into one hand, with empty pitchers, and torches inside the pitchers in the other hand. The trumpet was in fact a ram’s horn called “shofar”. The priests use the shophar to call people to worship or to battle. Jericho’s walls fell at the sound of the shophar. The blowing of the trumpet was a psychological weapon, to create confusion and fear in the enemy camp and to encourage Isreal. The breaking of the clay pots was a symbol of God’s light that shines at the right moment, defeating the darkness of the world. This light added to the confusion of the enemy. It shows that God uses weak people that carry His light to defeat the strong people of darkness. When “self” dies, Christ will shine from within. Gideon’s obedience to God’s command was vital in achieving the victory. Prayer, praise, faith and obedience are spiritual weapons. Gideon and his 300 men used only light and sound to defeat the enemy. These are symbols of the sword of the Spirit and the illumination of Truth, parts of the armor of God. Gideon obeys God’s unconventional strategy: a tiny, divided force, armed with horns, jars, and hidden flames. Every detail shows divine power working through man’s weakness, praise preceding victory, light overcoming darkness. We must trust God’s ways and methods, proclaim His greatness, and let His light blaze through our fragile lives. The victory is sure!

Gideon said to them: “Look at me and do likewise; watch, and when I come to the edge of the camp you shall do as I do”. Gideon now takes the lead. It shows the principle of leading by example. The followers must obey his commands and imitate his actions. The Unity of the Spirit and their Trust in the leader are crucial for victory. The obedience and perfect coordination of the men is vital. Rebellion at this point can bring defeat and death. Gideon’s transformation from a hesitant leader to a bold warrior demonstrates the power of faith in overcoming fear. We are encouraged to trust in God’s promises and step out in faith. Gideon says: Look at me and do likewise! He does not offer a lecture. He offers himself. People learn faith when they see it displayed in action. God has called Gideon a mighty man of valor. Now, his actions match his title. This is similar with Joshua’s battle cry: “Shout, for the LORD has given you the city” (Josh 6:16). Praise the Lord!

Apostle Paul said: “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1Cor 11:1). Apostle Paul gives himself as an example for others to imitate. This is not because he is proud, but because he pays the price to learn and apply Christ’s teachings in his life. This imitation involves humility, obedience, and Love for God and man. Applying the teachings of Jesus will change your heart and life. We must study, submit and imitate the godly leaders God has set for us. But men are limited. Jesus is the final example for us to follow. Imitating Christ happens thru the lifelong process of sanctification. We imitate Christ by humble service, loving and helping people, being patient during trials, pure in the heart and motives, faithfully preaching the Gospel and keep eternity in view. “Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct” (Heb 13:7)!

Jesus said, “I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15). Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. This was a job done by the lowest of house servants. The teachings of Jesus are not just theory. They are practical. True leadership means being a servant to others, helping them. This shows humility before position. A servant heart turns ordinary moments into eternal rewards.

Gideon positions his men around the camp. Then suddenly, they broke the clay pots and blew the trumpets. Their position around the camp intensified the sound of the trumpets creating fear and confusion in the enemy’s camp. This great sound was a symbol of God’s mighty power. It was the same strategy that Joshua used around Jericho to achieve the victory (Josh 6). They also shouted, “For the Lord and Gideon”. It was a battle cry and a confession of allegiance to the Lord who gave them victory and to their leader. It was a combination of God’s intervention and human leadership. Gideon was the judge and leader God chose. It shows the partnership between God and man. Jesus was 100% God and 100% man. In the ancient warfare, there was a light bearer for about 30 men. When the Midianites saw the 300 men carrying the torches, they assumed that they were 9000 soldiers. Also, God did not want them to carry swords to fight. Only fire and trumpet to blow. This was a brilliant strategy. All the glory of the victory was given to God! Gideon’s men acted in unison, which was crucial for their success. This highlights the importance of unity and cooperation among believers in fulfilling God’s purposes. The attack was at the “middle watch”. This is about 12 midnight, the time when people are most tired. The attack also had an element of surprise. The torches symbolize God’s presence, reminding us that His fire and light dispel darkness and brings victory over our spiritual battles. Each man stood in his position. The Midianites cried out, fought themselves and ran away. Just as Gideon’s men stood firm, Christians are called to stand firm in faith, equipped with the armor of God.

LEADERSHIP – LIFE INTERRUPTED BY GOD

The call to leadership, very often, comes out of nowhere when least expecting it.  It is a sovereign act of God.  Like with Gideon, one day you are busy about your work, and the next day God is speaking to you about serving Him.  The promise of God to His leaders is threefold:

1. God will raise you up.  You don’t have to promote yourself.

2. God will be with you.

3. God will grant you success in your assignment. You will be successful every day of your life.

When God called Gideon, we observe some details:

*God knows where to find you.  You cannot escape the call of God.

*God’s calling will interrupt your plans. God is not interested in your personal plans for your life.

*God looks to promote hard workers. Gideon was busy working. God does not promote the lazy.  

*God looks to promote those are a committed to Him.  Gideon was busy threshing wheat, symbolic of sanctification, dying to sin.

*God’s calling is always bigger than what we can see. God expects us to answer and obey by faith!

*God sees in us the things we cannot see.  Gideon was called a “mighty man of valor, a warrior” when he was hiding from enemies.

(Abraham was called the “father of many nations” when he had no children. Sarah was called a “princess” even when she mocked the LORD. Peter was called the “rock” even though he failed)

*Very few Christians readily and humbly receive the call of God as Mary did, “be it unto me according to Your word” (Lk1:38).

*God ignores Gideon’s complains and self-doubts. God will send you to confront and defeat your very fears (the Midianites).

*GOD IS NOT A FOOL. God does not make mistakes when He calls one into leadership. You can’t change God’s mind. You must submit.

*If God has called you, He will not fail you. He has not called you to fail or put you to shame! Trust God even when you do not understand.

FACTS ABOUT GOD’S CALLING

“For many are called, but few are chosen” (Matt 22:14). The Gospel of Christ Crucified and Resurrected goes out into the whole world. It demands a response. Many hear it but refuse to accept it. The chosen ones are those who recognize God’s Grace and have faith in Christ crucified. The call is like a king inviting you to the wedding of his son. It is a great honor to be invited. Not all attend the wedding feast. Those who do are called the remnant of grace, the elect or the chosen. There are three main callings in the New Testament:

1. Called out of darkness into God’s light.  This is the new birth.  God has called every human being to His son, the LORD Jesus Christ.

2. Called to be a servant in the Kingdom. This calling is for every Christian, to serve God in any capacity. God rewards faithful service.

3. Called to full-time ministry leadership. This calling is not extended to every Christian. These are the fivefold ministers: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These believers are twice called out: to be born again and to lead others in the name of Jesus!

SOME QUALITIES OF GIDEON AS A LEADER

*Obedience. Gideon obeyed God’s commands even when he did not understand them or he was afraid. God will be with you. Obedience to God’s Word is often very intimidating; however, disobedience is dreadful. God will give you companions and helpers. Gideon had help.

*Humility. Before Gideon was a leader, he was a humble servant. He presented The Angel of God with an offering. Ask yourself: how long did he take to butcher and cook a goat? How long did he take to bake bread made from 22 pounds of flour? This is hard work. The offering was very expensive especially because all people were poor and Gideon’s family was the poorest in the tribe of Manasseh.

*Worship. Gideon built an altar for Jehovah Shalom. He was declaring his total surrender to serving God, all the days of his life. By accepting his call, Gideon found Shalom, Peace amid trouble. He has found his identity at the center of God’s will. Don’t run from God!

*Courage. Gideon had problems with the men of his own city. But he stood for God. Gideon never defended himself.  His own father spoke up for him. Know that you will not have to defend yourself. Truth needs no defense. Truth defends itself.

In conclusion, God’s call never fails. God will send helpers. Before Gideon was selected, he could only draw 10 men to himself (Judg 6:27). After his consecration and selection, God drew, not just the Abiezrites, but four other tribes, totaling 32,000 men to his cause. Through obedience, Gideon went from being a scared farm boy to a great military and national leader.  If you will obey God with all your heart, He will take you from obscurity to a place of prominence in the Kingdom, for His glory!! “And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: 33 who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens” (Heb 11:32-34)

GOD’S WAYS

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. 9“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa 55:8,9). The word “thoughts” means plans and purposes. There is great distance between God’s thoughts and man’s thoughts. God is omniscient. Our wisdom and understanding are limited. God perfectly knows the past, present and the future. God’s motives to do anything are always pure. God’s wisdom is different than our wisdom. We need to pray to find God’s wisdom and to submit to it, even if it makes no sense. God’s Word and not our opinions must lead in all things. Thoughts produce Ways, and lifestyles. God’s ways are always perfect, having purposes, and lead to an expected end. Our ways are selfish and rebellious. God’s “ways” refer to His plans, purposes, and actions, which are beyond human understanding. The Heavens and the Earth illustrate the vast difference between God’s ways and human ways. The heavens represent the divine realm, while the earth represents the human realm. Recognize that God’s ways and thoughts are infinitely higher than ours. This should lead us to humility and reverence in our relationship with Him. The Holy Spirit draws our eyes upward to the immeasurable gap between sky and soil. From a human vantage point, the heavens feel endless, unreachable—so is the distance between God’s reality and ours. “Ways” speaks of deeds, plans, timing, and methods. God’s choices soar above our best strategies. Think of: Joseph’s detour through slavery and prison before the palace (Gen 50:20). Israel marching around Jericho instead of storming it (Josh 6:1-5). The cross—foolishness to men, but the power and wisdom to God (1 Cor 1:18-25). Selah!

The anointing of God will draw people to you, but your character is critical to retaining them. Gideon’s life changed forever. His life would never be a simple farm life ever again. He would now live to serve God as a spiritual leader! A lack of understanding does not excuse a lack of obedience. You see the moment, but God sees eternity. You see the sickness, but God sees the healing. You see poverty, but God sees riches. You see lost, but God sees found. You see no hope, but God sees the victory that rises like the morning sun. God says: I am God! He is not subject to the laws of the universe. All laws are subject to Him. Trust God! Worship the Lord!

JEHOVAH SHALOM SIFTS THE ARMY

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

JEHOVAH SHALOM SIFTS THE ARMY

In Hebrew, the word “Shalom” is a great word. It appears about 250 times in the Bible. In Greek, the same word in translated “Irene”. This word means peace, but it is more than the absence of war. It means salvation, justice, maturity, wealth, health, love, favor, friends (fellowship, community), perfection, wholeness, unity of the Spirit, and harmony between parts. Shalom belongs to the Garden of Eden. It means living a life as God’s created us to be. It means loving God and man. We are not created to live in poverty, oppression or sickness. God wants us to enjoy the fruits of His creation and the fruits of our labor. In doing that we bring glory to Him alone! Shalom! Glory!

God confirms to Gideon that He was chosen to lead Isreal to victory. God reduces the army of Isreal from 32,000 to 300 men (Judges 7:1-8). The Midianites are 135 thousand. The reduction is a call to Humility and Faith. God’s ways are higher than ours. He often works through our weaknesses. God desires His people to rely on Him for provision and guidance rather than their own strength or resources. We must seek His wisdom and follow His lead, even when it seems strange to our human understanding. The primary purpose of all God’s actions is His glory. We must give credit to God for our victories and successes, acknowledging His hand in our lives. God brings them to a pool fed by spring of Harod. The name “Harod” means “fear or trembling,” possibly foreshadowing the fear that would later grip the Midianites.

FEAR IS AN ENEMY TO FAITH

Fear is defined as an unpleasant, often strong emotion caused by an awareness of danger. Fear starts with anxiety, and it manifests as loss of courage and strength. Fear leads to a strong desire to run away or to fight back. Physically, fear manifests as feeling cold, dizzy, fainting, shortness of breath, feeling choked, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, sweating, or trembling. Psychologically, people who are afraid feel overwhelmed, angry, losing control and dying. These are some triggers that produce fear: snakes, darkness, heights, flying, crowds of people, rejection, negative imaginations and death. Most people scream when they are afraid.

Spiritually, fear is an evil spirit. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2Tim 1:7).

Fear is not from God. Its root comes from doubting God’s Word. Fear destroys the faith, the love, the peace and the courage to stand for God. The spirit of fear can manifest as fear of man’s rejection or intimidation. As believers, we must stand and boldly proclaim the Gospel.

*By His Spirit, God gives the power to witness and to overcome the trials of life successfully. God gives us the power that is stronger than fear. This power strengthens us inwardly and helps us turn weakness into divine strength.

*God gives us Love to balance the power. Without Love, power becomes oppressive. Every act, no matter how great, without love, is nothing (1Cor 13). Love is from God. It is stronger than fear. It is the magnet God uses to attract people to Jesus. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love” (1Jn 4:18). Love manifests as sacrificially serving others and covering a multitude of sins by offering forgiveness and peace (1Pet 4:8).

*God gives us “a sound mind” or self-control. Like Love, this is also one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit in the believer. It means discipline over your thoughts, emotions and actions, staying calm and making wise decisions during crisis. It gives the power to resist temptations, maintain integrity, reflecting the character of Christ. Self-control restrains the believer from making shameful decisions that will damage his testimony. It also helps the believer to detect the devil’s schemes. It is essential for effective leadership and spiritual warfare.

“The officers shall speak further to the people, and say, ‘What man is there who is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go and return to his house, lest the heart of his brethren faint like his heart” (Deut 20:8).

In ancient Israel, the role of officers was crucial in maintaining order and morale among the troops. These officers were responsible for communicating God’s laws and instructions to the people, ensuring that the army was spiritually and mentally prepared for battle. To be fainthearted means to be emotionally soft, oversensitive. Fear and faintheartedness were significant concerns in ancient warfare, where morale could determine the outcome of a battle. This shows the human tendency towards fear, especially in the face of conflict. It reflects a compassionate understanding of human nature, recognizing that not everyone is suited for the rigors of battle. The Bible often addresses fear, encouraging believers to trust in God. Courage and faith in God are essential qualities for those who fight battles. The provision for the fearful to return home serves multiple purposes. It ensures that the army is composed of willing and courageous individuals, which is crucial for maintaining high morale. It prevents the spread of fear among the troops, which could lead to panic and defeat. This shows God’s understanding and mercy, allowing men to prioritize their personal well-being and family responsibilities over military duty. It also shows the value placed on the individual and the community. Fear is like a virus. It is very contagious. It weakens men and communities. Fear is an internal traitor. It should not be tolerated. The unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace in the family, congregation, or the army is vital to progress and success. God desires a committed and faithful remnant.

“Now therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the people, saying, ‘Whoever is fearful and afraid, let him turn and depart at once from Mount Gilead.’ ” And twenty-two thousand of the people returned, and ten thousand remained” (Jdg 7:3). This command is given by God to Gideon. God often communicates His will through chosen leaders, as seen with Moses and Joshua. All the fearful soldiers should go home. Only those who are courageous can stay. God does not shame honest fear. The coward is not punished but given grace to be released. God protects the army and the community from the effects of fear. The large number of men who leave shows man’s tendency towards fear and self-preservation. God often works through a faithful few rather than a multitude, as seen with Noah, Abraham, and the early church. God demonstrates His power and glory through a smaller, more dedicated group of people. God’s reduction of the army shows that He is totally in control. Fear is an enemy to Faith, Peace, Love, Sound-mind, Strength and Courage. Gideon does not grumble. He cooperates with God’s plan even when he does not understand it. He is a good example of a godly leader.

ONLY THE LAPPERS GO TO BATTLE

God is a Tester and a Purifier. He is sovereign in choosing His servants for any assignment. Victory comes not by human strength but by divine power. Jonathan said: “There is nothing to prevent the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few” (1Sam 14:6). Jesus said that God’s power is made perfect in human weakness (2Cor 12:9). The water is the place for sifting and testing. By faith, the Israelites crossed over the Red Sea, but the Egyptians drowned in it. Faith in God must be tested and purified by fire in trials to give God the glory (1Pet 1:7). God speaks directly to Gideon. He totally obeyed God. As an obedient servant, Gideon is a picture of Jesus. This is always the pattern: God speaks and leads. His people must follow. By His divine choice, God excludes some people from participating in some assignments. Jesus prayed before choosing His apostles. Success in God’s kingdom is not determined by numbers or human strength but by faith and obedience to His commands. God’s ways are higher than our ways (Isa 55:8,9). Glory to God!

“Separate those who lap the water with their tongues like a dog”. This unconventional instruction is a divine test to distinguish between the men. No prior command was given about how to drink water. God tested their instincts for battle. Lapping water like a dog suggests vigilance and readiness. These men remained alert to their surroundings while drinking. Kneeling to drink indicates a lack of readiness and awareness, being vulnerable to surprise attacks. God tests His people to prepare them for greater tasks. Gideon’s actions demonstrate that faith requires action. Be ready to act on God’s instructions, trusting in His plan and provision, even when you don’t understand it.

There are two ways to Drink, and two kinds of Soldiers! Those men who lapped stayed on their feet or at most crouched; brought water to their mouths with cupped hands; Kept eyes up, weapons ready, alert to danger. Those who knelt dropped to both knees; Lowered heads to the river; Became momentarily oblivious to their surroundings; dropped their weapons. Only the 300 lappers were kept to fight the battle!

GOD’S WAYS IN CHOOSING HIS SOLDIERS AND SERVANTS:

God chooses those who are alert, spiritually watchful and positionally vigilant. God rewards those who are ready to obey Him immediately. They are attentive to possible dangers. These people are mentally quick and prepared to deal with emergencies. Also, they take advantage of sudden opportunities. They quickly believe prophetic words and act on them. The opposite of being alert is to be sleepy, tired, careless, distracted, and unprepared. God values those who can drink in His provision without losing sight of the enemy’s schemes. They practice self-discipline even amid God’s blessings. David attacked and defeated the Amalekites because they were not aware of the danger. They celebrated their victory by eating, drinking and dancing (1Sam 30:16). Lesson: Every action, even the way we eat or drink water, displays our character. God rewards those who practice moderation even when nobody is watching but Him. “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1Cor 10:31). Selah!

LESSONS:

*Vigilance is a constant call! Gideon’s Lappers never set aside their weapons; they were already prepared to move. Believers are told to “be ready in season and out of season” (2Tim 4:2). As you obey God, you will lose your careless friends along the way. Don’t be discouraged.  Be willing to walk alone or be in minority if need be. 300 out of 10,000 is about 3%. God works through a faithful remnant (Isa 10:22). Jesus said: “Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come… watch and pray” (Matt 24:42; 26:41)

*Be quick to act on God’s next command, not paralyzed by human calculations. Obedience positions us to receive God’s power!

*Cultivate habits that keep you spiritually alert: Study God’s Word and pray daily. Practice self-examination. Submit to your leaders.

*Practice discipline and self-control in small choices, how you use time, money, words, knowing that God sees and weighs them.

*Accept God’s testing and sifting seasons; let them refine you. Do not resent them.

*Stay “battle-ready” by wearing the full armor of God daily (Eph 6:10–18).

*God’s servants and leaders are chosen not by great numbers or outward talent but by inward qualities revealed in ordinary moments.

*God still watches how we “drink” today—and still calls the alert and disciplined to accomplish His purposes on earth!

*God exposes fear early, before the battle intensifies. Fear is an internal enemy. Fear leads to backsliding.

*Acknowledge your fears and anxieties. Do not deceive yourself and others. The soldiers stepped out!

*Fear disqualifies us from leadership and the frontline of spiritual warfare.

*Only those trusting God fully (faith 100%) experience victory firsthand and make rapid progress!

*In the New Testament, Jesus says that we should count the cost of discipleship (Luke 14:25-33). Selah!

*Study God’s Word daily and pray. As Faith and Love increase, fear decreases. Draw closer to mature mentors and courageous believers.

*Always obey God. Every step of obedience, no matter how little, will destroy fear and increase your faith and courage.

*Expect God to turn things upside down, to change your weakness into victories!

*God is the greatest encourager: “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you” (Isa 41:10).

*God is sovereign, faithful, omnipotent! He never loses any battle. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8:31).

*God often reduces our visible resources so that His deliverance is clear. He desires His glory and our dependence, not our self-confidence.

*The 300 men that God picked for the battle were chosen not because they were physically stronger but were fearless and alert like dogs!

*Fear will cripple you if you submit to it!

*Modern “Midianites”: great financial needs; a terrible diagnosis; a vision bigger than the budget; family crises with no human solution.

*Fear not the day of small things, fewer friends, less money, or limited strength. These are platforms for God’s miracles.

*Remember and Share your past testimonies! David recounted his victory over the lion and the bear before he defeated Goliath (1Sam 17)

*Pray with thanksgiving, before and after the battle! Worship the Lord!

JEHOVAH SHALOM – THE LORD IS OUR PEACE

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

JEHOVAH SHALOM – THE LORD IS OUR PEACE

The book of Judges tells of the days when the children of Israel were just settling into the “Promised Land.” It was after Joshua died. The surrounding people resisted the Israelites moving in. The Israelites found it difficult to always trust God and remain faithful to Him. Too often, they let their pagan neighbors lead them into idolatry and turn them away from serving the God of heaven. “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Jdg 21:25). From time to time, a leader—called a “judge”— would arise to call the people back to God. But before long, the Israelites would turn again to the idols of the people around them. Because of their sins, they forfeited God’s protecting care, and their neighbors often made war against the Israelites and oppressed them. Their lives were filled with anxiety, depression, suffering, both personally and as a community. There was no peace in the land!

The Midianites were nomadic people who descended from Abraham through Keturah (Gen 25:1-2). Their oppression of Israel during this period was severe. They would invade the land during harvest time, taking their crops and livestock. Israel was left in a state of economic poverty, one of the consequences of their disobedience to God. Poverty and oppression are some of God’s curses on His people who refuse to obey Him and chose to serve idols (Deut 28:47-51). The cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance is evident throughout the Book of Judges. The people repented and cried to God who delivered them again and again. Even in their rebellion, God was always faithful! Selah!

Gideon was one of the judges whom God raised up to bring His people back to Him (Jdg 6:1-40). At this time, the Midianites were attacking Israel, taking their flocks and harvests, filling them with fear, suffering, and uncertainty about the future. The Israelites were hiding in caves from fear of their enemies. Gideon was threshing wheat in a secluded place, trying to keep it from being found and taken by the Midianites when the Lord appeared to him and called him to deliver His people from their tormentors. When Gideon realized that it was God speaking with him, he feared for his life. “Then the Lord said to him, ‘Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die.’ So, Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and called it The-Lord-Is-Peace [Jehovah Shalom]” (Judg 6:23,24). Jehovah Shalom is one of God’s names! Selah!

God knows our pains, and He delivers us from them! It was the same when He revealed Himself to Moses by His name, I AM THAT I AM (Jehovah). “And the Lord said: “I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. So, I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians” (Exo 3:7,8). At a time when there was no peace in Israel and no peace in people’s hearts, God came offering relief from their troubles. Gideon’s story is a reminder that no matter how difficult life may become, God can bring peace into our lives when we trust Him and follow His plan for us. It took Gideon a while to believe that God could really use him to deliver Israel. Their enemies, the Midianites, were much more numerous and powerful. But when Gideon placed himself in God’s hands, the Lord gave the Israelites an amazing victory over their enemies and restored peace in the land. Today, God still brings peace into troubled hearts. He is still Jehovah Shalom—the “Lord Is Our Peace.” He will bring you peace if you trust Him and obey Him. That was true for Gideon, and it is true for you today. God is Jehovah Shalom, meaning “I AM PEACE”.

In Hebrew, the word “Shalom” is a great word. It appears about 250 times in the Bible. In Greek, the same word in translated “Irene”. These words mean peace, but it is more than absence of war. It means salvation, justice, maturity, wealth, health, love, favor and friends (fellowship, community), perfection, wholeness, unity of the Spirit, and harmony between parts. Shalom belongs to the Garden of Eden. It means living a life as God’s created us to be. It means loving God and man. We are not created to live in poverty, oppression or sickness. God wants us to enjoy the fruits of His creation and the fruits of our labor. In doing that we bring glory to Him alone! Shalom! Glory!

Joash, Gideon’s father, was an Abiezrite, from a clan within the tribe of Manasseh. Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress. This is an unusual activity, as threshing typically occurs in open spaces to allow the wind to separate grain from chaffs. The fear of the Midianite forced Gideon to hide and work in secrecy. This shows the desperation and creativity of the Israelites. The Angel of the LORD was a divine messenger, a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ in the Old Testament. The angel’s presence signifies God’s direct intervention in Israel’s suffering. The Angel of the Lord speaks directly to Gideon, with divine authority. God calls and empowers the leaders in the Old Testament by a direct encounter. God’s presence with the leader is essential. In the New Testament, Jesus is our Emmanuel, God with us. The angel calls Gideoon: “O mighty man of valor or great warrior!”. It reflects God’s perspective and potential for Gideon, rather than his present reality. In the Bible God calls individuals based on His purpose and power rather than their circumstances or self-perception. It was the same as with Joseph, Moses, Joshua or David. Gideon’s initial reluctance and humility did not disqualify him from being used by God. Eventually, Gideon became the mighty warrior and champion God declared him to be! Out of his weakness, by faith, he became strong!

THE PEACE OF GOD:

*Salvation in Christ is the source of our peace. “Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:1). Knowing that our sins are forgiven and that we are covered with the righteousness of Jesus, is the greatest blessing of the peace that Jesus gives. We can never fully understand this peace, but we can experience it. God is Jehovah Shalom—the “Lord Is Our Peace.”

*There is no real peace apart from God. “The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest… ‘There is no peace,’ says my God, ‘for the wicked” (Is 57:20,21). The wicked have no peace because they don’t trust Jehovah Shalom—the “God of Peace.”

*God does not promise us freedom from trouble, but He promises us His peace that will give us the ability to deal with the troubles we experience. Jesus said, “These things have I spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33). Jesus is victorious over sin and the troubles that sin causes. He offers us His peace!

*God’s peace frees from fear, worry and it “rules” in our hearts. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (Jn14:27). “Let the peace of God rule (control) your hearts” (Col3:15).

*Faith in God leads to His Peace. “God will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Is 26:3).

*Peace makes you strong and courageous. “Great peace have those who love Your law. And nothing causes them to stumble” (Ps119:165).

LESSONS FROM THE ENCOUNTER BETWEEN GIDEON AND JEHOVAH SHALOM

*Deliverance and victory come from God alone. Trust Him, not on your own strength or resources. Despite our rebellion, God is faithful.

*God hates and punishes idolatry with oppression and poverty.

*God Sees Potential in the Humble. Gideon was weak but “God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Cor 1:27).

*Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress when the angel of the Lord appeared to him. God can meet us in the most ordinary places.

*God Equips the Called. When God calls Gideon to save Israel, he doubts his ability. But God reassures him, “I will be with you” (Judg 6:16). You are never alone! God’s presence is your strength. By faith, Gideon led a small army of 300 men and defeated 135,000 Midianites.

*Small Steps of Faith Lead to Big Victories. Gideon starts his journey by tearing down his father’s altar to Baal. This small act of obedience prepares the way for greater victories. “Whoever is faithful with very little is also faithful with much” (Lk 16:10).

*Gideon questions God about Isreal’s suffering. It’s okay to bring your doubts to God. He is patient. He will lead you to deeper faith.

*God Confirms His Word. Gideon asks for signs to confirm God’s word. God graciously provides them. God understands our needs.

*God’s Strength is Made Perfect in Weakness. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9).

*Obedience Requires strength and Courage. Gideon had to overcome the fear of men to obey God’s command to destroy the altar of Baal. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid” (Josh 1:9). Stand firm in your convictions. Fear God and not man! Obedience to God’s call is crucial. Just as God delivered Israel through Gideon, He delivers us. God’s power is enough.

*God Uses Unlikely Leaders like Gideon. “The LORD does not look at the things people look at” (1Sam 16:7). Be open to His calling, even when you feel weak! Gideon had to step out in faith to become the mighty warrior God declared him to be. Faith should lead us to action!

*Worship must be our response to God’s grace! After witnessing God’s deliverance, Gideon builds an altar and worships the Lord. Selah!

ANXIETY OR PEACE?

Medically, Anxiety is a mental health issue. It affects about 10% of all people. Anxiety is the opposite of peace. It manifests as being nervous, or fearful. Fear is specific (I fear snakes). Anxiety is more generalized (I feel worried about tomorrow). Anxiety interferes with your life. It makes you more emotional and you overreact to situations. Anxiety causes fear, worry and a constant feeling of being overwhelmed. There is an excessive, frequent and unrealistic worry about everyday things, such as your job, your money or your health. These are some symptoms of anxiety: being restless, easily distracted, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, muscle tension, cold or sweaty hands, insomnia. Anxiety is deceptive. It leads to wrong choices.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6,7). The Greek word for “anxious” (merimnao) implies being pulled in different directions. As Christians, we are called to focus our minds and hearts on God rather than being torn by worries. Jesus commands believers not to be anxious about life (Matt 6:25-34). Faith in God’s sovereignty, power, provision, protection and love brings Peace. Doubting God’s Word produces anxiety. Bring to God all your cares. Pray about everything, big or small. Have faith that God rules in every circumstance. Then give thanks to God. Thanksgiving shifts the focus from the problem to God’s provision and past faithfulness, building a spirit of contentment and peace. Bring your requests to God who is willing to hear and answer all your prayers. Prayer is a sure cure for anxiety. Trust God for His wisdom and timing in answering prayers. Prayer of faith leads to peace.

The peace of God is not just the absence of war. It is the positive presence of God’s calmness and tranquility. God is concerned about men, and He hates sin. But God is never worried. We must be like God. A heart that has peace is free from torment, noise, doubts and worries. The peace of God is not dependent on circumstances and cannot be fully grasped by the human mind. “God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours” (Isa 55:8,9). God’s peace is supernatural. It is a result of divine intervention rather than human effort. Like the walls around a city, God’s peace protects the mind (thoughts) and the heart (emotions). This peace of God is found only thru Jesus Christ! Selah!

PEACE, BE STILL! YES, JESUS CARES!

“On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” 39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” (Mk 4:35-41)

It is the end of a long day. Jesus preached and healed many people. He now tells his disciples to enter the boat and to cross over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. In His public ministry, Jesus talks to the crowd in parables, but He speaks directly to His disciples. Each command of Jesus is not for their entertainment but for their teaching. Jesus tells them to cross from the Jewish side of the sea to the side where most people were Gentiles. This shows that Jesus wants to spread His Word to all people, Jews and Gentiles. Jesus initiates the journey, demonstrating His role as a leader. Suddenly, a great windstorm arose. Because it was surrounded by mountains, the Sea of Galilee was known for sudden changes in weather. The stern is the rear part of the boat, often considered a place of control and direction. Jesus being in the stern symbolizes His authority and control over the situation, even when it appears He is inactive. Jesus sleeping during a storm highlights His humanity and physical exhaustion from ministry. It also demonstrates His divine peace and trust in God’s sovereignty, contrasting with the disciples’ fear. The disciples’ decision to wake Jesus shows their desperation and lack of understanding of His divine nature. It reflects a common human tendency to seek divine intervention only when circumstances become extremely serious. The title “Teacher” acknowledges Jesus’ role as a rabbi and leader, yet the question reveals the disciples’ doubt and fear. They did not call Him “Lord”. Their plea reflects a lack of faith and understanding of Jesus’ mission and power, as the Lord of all.

“And He got up and [sternly] rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still (muzzled)!” And the wind died down [as if it had grown weary] and there was [at once] a great calm [a perfect peacefulness]” (Mk 4:39; AMP). Jesus rebuked the wind and the sea. He did not beg them. The word Jesus used was “Be muzzled!” To muzzle an animal like an ox or a dog is to place a cover over their mouths so that they cannot eat, bite or make noise. In other words, Jesus muzzled the wind like it was a mad dog. Immediately, the wind stopped moving! Praise the Lord! Jesus’ command to the wind and waves is direct and authoritative, reflecting His power over the natural world, showing that creation responds to His voice. Jesus is God, the Creator. In Genesis 1, God speaks and it comes to be. It shows the peace Jesus brings to the spiritual chaos in human lives, in His ministry of healing and deliverance. The calming of the storm is a type of Christ’s ultimate victory over chaos and evil. The immediate response of the wind and sea to Jesus’ command shows His divine nature. The phrase “great calm” indicates a complete and miraculous transformation. It shows the totality of Jesus’ power. This calmness is what Paul calls “the peace that passes human understanding” (Phil 4:7). The calming of the storm is a sign to the disciples. Their faith is increased. They discover Jesus’ true identity, not only as their teacher but as the Messiah, Jehovah Elohim and Jehovah Shalom! Glory to God!

Jesus asked His disciples: “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”. Fear is the natural response to danger. Jesus said that fear must be rejected because He was in the same boat with them. Faith drives away fear. The disciples have heard Jesus’ teaching and have already witnessed the miracles that He has performed. But during the storm, they forgot what they knew about Jesus, the miracles that He has done. They forgot that Jesus said: “Let us cross over to the other side”. Therefore, they cannot die before the other side. The disciples’ fear of dying in the storm, is now replaced with the holy fear of God. The disciples asked themselves: “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” Jesus stopped the storm outside by His Word. The storm in the boat must end by faith in Christ. They struggle to see Jesus not just as a teacher but as the Son of God, the Prince of Peace. He alone can bring peace into the trials of life. Glory!

LESSONS FROM PEACE IN THE STORM

*Jesus is the Leader. The disciples trust Him. They “took Jesus along in the boat”. Trust His guidance even when the path seems uncertain.

*In the middle of the sea, a storm comes. A trial may be a test of your faith. Like with Jonah, some storms come because of disobedience.

*The crossing to the other side symbolizes spiritual transitions. Be open to the new directions as God may lead us to higher faith!

*Following Jesus means that sometimes we must leave behind “the crowd”, our comfort zone of friends and family.

*Jesus models perfect peace amidst chaos. Seek His peace through prayer, scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

*Spiritually, storms mean chaos, anxiety and trials of faith. The waves beat into the boat. That means judgment like during the time of Noah. The boat represents the church or the individual believers during life’s storms. It is a place of safety and also vulnerability. Faith in Jesus and in His love and power is vital, especially during the storms of life. The storm is the background for Jesus to display His total sovereignty, authority and control over creation, nature and people.

*Jesus was sleeping in the storm. He is 100% Man. God’s silence in your distress is not His inability or lack of desire to meet your needs.

*The storm did not wake Jesus! But immediately the disciples cried, like a mother and her baby, Jesus woke up! He hears our prayers!

*During storms of life, we struggle to move on. Why? In good times we feel safe, we tend to indulge in sin and rely upon our circumstances instead of the Lord. Or we struggle in hard times because we forget God’s goodness in the middle of the storms.

*The disciples wanted Jesus to come and help them. Their strategy only “helped” their boat! Jesus Helped all the boats on that Sea!

*Jesus rebuked them because the disciples did not have faith in His word: “Let us cross over to the other side”. Jesus is in control!

*In this story, we see the great contrast between man’s fear and the calmness and peace of Jesus. We must be calm like Jesus! Jesus was with the disciples in the boat, just as He is with us in our trials. His presence provides comfort and assurance. In times of trouble, turning to God in prayer and seeking His help is a vital response, as demonstrated by the disciples’ eventual plea for help. Just as Jesus brought peace to the stormy sea, He offers peace in our hearts amidst life’s challenges. In the name of Jesus, we have the authority to stop the wind and the waves of sickness and crisis because they recognize the voice of their creator. Faith in Jesus as God, the Creator is essential to mature as a Christian. Doubt and unbelief are strongholds difficult to destroy. It takes faith and perseverance to bring them down. By the Word of God and prayer, fear must be brought down and replaced with Faith. Trials are opportunities for spiritual growth. We must trust Jesus as our creator, teacher, savior, Lord, protector, provider and Helper in all situations. Somebody said: “I believe in the sun even when it is not shining. I believe in love even when I am not feeling it. I believe in God even when God is silent”. Let God calm your fears and handle your circumstances. Worship the Lord!