A New Name

Aug. 2

Read: Judges 6:28-32

“Therefore on that day Gideon was called Jerubbaal, that is to say, “Let Baal contend against him,” because he broke down his altar.”

Authentic movement of the Spirit of God will always cause disruption and transformation. The work of the Lord - the Kingdom of God - runs counter to the principles of this world. They can’t help but clash when they meet ... and the Kingdom is always victorious. We have drifted into a way of thinking that pits spiritual activity strictly “inside” of us... intensely “personal”. The true work of the Spirit in someone always makes its way out! It is observable to those around that person. It is disruptive to the ways of this world. This is why the city gathered to attack Gideon!

Gideon’s obedience in the midst of fear brought about disruption in the town. Gideon challenged what the people worshiped ... and that ALWAYS gets people angry. The Spirit of God will always challenge you to assess what it is you worship. The world NEVER appreciates that challenge ... it is offensive. This is why the message of the cross is called foolishness to those who are not being saved by it. (1 Cor. 1:18)

Gideon was not the same person anymore. As far as the town was concerned he had changed so much he needed a new name. He would no longer be Gideon to them. When we come alive to the person God has made us to be, we will never be the same. The people around you will give you a new name ... speak differently ... and sometimes even turn on you. This is cost of entering the Kingdom: leaving behind the idols of your past. Again we see, the work of the Lord in a person will sooner or later spill out into the world. If it does not, I would be suspicious that it is not real.

Are you a threat to the spiritual status quo? Are you a “contender”? Gideon was seen as a contender of the false gods and empty religions of his day. It was met with the ire of the people! May our transformation in the Spirit of God be visible and real enough to do the same! May people give us a mew name as one... labeled as the ones who contend against hopelessness, fear, injustice, sin , and the enemies of the Lord. Love you guys ! -JDP