Homilist Judges 6:11-24 And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained to Joash the Abiezrite… I. THE DISTRESS OF GOD'S PEOPLE IS CAUSED BY THEIR OWN SIN. God turns His forces against those who forget Him, and makes use of those who are His own foes to punish His own people. II. GOD CAN ALWAYS RAISE UP INSTRUMENTS TO ACCOMPLISH HIS PURPOSES WHEN HE NEEDS. III. THE UTILITY AND THE STRENGTH DEPEND ON THE CALL OF GOD. IV. HUMILITY IS THE DISTINGUISHING MARK OF THE BRAVE. How seldom do men deprecate their own importance! To form a low estimate of our own abilities not only keeps us from the danger of pride with its attendant snares, but is a test of character. It is not the learned who are proud, nor the skilful, nor the wise. The empty head, like the empty drum, makes the most noise. V. THE SERVICE OF GOD DEMANDS UNRESTRICTED DEVOTION TO HIS CAUSE. VI. HOWEVER VALUABLE THE SERVICES OF THE AGENT MAY BE, GOD CLAIMS, AS HIS JUST DUE, THE GLORY OF THE TRANSACTION. VII. WE CANNOT DOUBT OF SUCCESS WHEN GOD TAKES A MATTER IN HAND, AND GIVES HIS PROMISE OF AID. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites. |
    |