Judges 7:2-4, 13-15; 8:22-25

Earlier this month the Shuttle Atlantis launched for the final mission of the Space Transportation System, better known as the Space Shuttle. Originally authorized by Congress in 1972, the first shuttle launched in April of 1981. After thirty years with a clear direction and goals, there now is some confusion as to who is leading the United States civilian space program. Several people are identified as leaders, but they have differing ideas about where to head next. NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden feels the pull from the White House; the Congress; and people in his own organization, NASA. Without clear leadership and direction, the rumor mill is running at full speed. The biggest story that NASA is working against is the idea that since the Space Shuttle program has ended, there will be no more Americans in space. This is just wrong; the International Space Shuttle will need astronauts for at least the next decade.

Mr. Bolden has a big job ahead of him, when he gets some direction. The Israelites, on the other hand, got the direction and then demanded that their leader become their king. In response, Gideon made it clear that there was only to be one leader of the people of Israel: God. Gideon knew who he was, knew the role he was to play in his time in history, and would not go beyond what God called him to do. God is looking for committed women and men of faith who are willing to remember who they are and who they are not, people God can use to bring powerful change, not through their own power, but through the power of God.

1. What are you thoughts on the Space Shuttle program? Should we have stopped it? Should we have done it in the first place?
2. Why do you think God “thinned the herd” before sending Gideon’s army into battle? Do you think Gideon would have had a harder time persuading the Israelites not to make him their king if they had gone in with their entire force?
3. How can you tell if you did something in your own power or in God’s power? Is it possible to accomplish great things without God?