Today you should read: Judges 6:33-40
Like many of you, I am a big fan of Gideon. He was, in strict theological terms, “bad to the bone.” Yesterday, we read of his audacious courage as he tore down the altar of Baal. Tomorrow’s reading reveals this courage — his mettle — again alongside his confidence in God’s plan as he and his 300 men do battle against Midian.
Don’t miss today’s reading though. Just a few verses, yet they pack quite a punch! And they reveal some things about Gideon that are worth emulating.
1) God’s Spirit was upon him. This was a huge deal in the Old Testament. See, we as New Covenant believers have the Spirit in us from the day we came to faith in Christ (“In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14). But in the old days (B.C.), the Spirit indwelled people for specific times and purposes.
2) Gideon was ready to be used by God. God’s Spirit was upon him for a reason: he was obedient. He was upright. He wanted what was right in the eyes of His King.
3) He had DANGEROUSLY BIG faith. In these verses, we see Gideon do what very few people did: he tested God. While I don’t recommend this (Deuteronomy 6:16, Luke 4:12), Gideon didn’t have the finished work of Scripture that we have the privilege of owning in most of our homes. He wanted God’s blessing. He needed God’s power to be with Him. The Lord granted His request.
How can we apply these brief verses to our lives today?
With #1, live with a fresh understanding that God’s Spirit is with you wherever you go! With #2, ask the Lord to give you a ready heart that is just itching for the opportunity to obey. And with #3, step out in bold faith today! Do something that you know God has put on your heart. Share Christ with a friend you’ve wanted to see come to Him. Pray for spiritual/physical/emotional healing of those around you that may be suffering right now. Go make that damaged family relationship right! Whatever it is you do, trust the sovereign hand of God to see you through.
Posted by: Todd Thomas
JumpstartCPC.com 
Gideon & George Thorogood. “Bad to the Bone”. Never made the connection until today. Thanks Todd!