Judges 8 “Be the Man”

Judges 8 – Brandon Hatmaker “Be the Man”
Austin New Church – South Austin Cares
Monday, September 8th, 2008

“Zebah and Zalmunna said, "Come, do it yourself. 'As is the man, so is his strength.'” Judges 8:21

What makes a man? Better yet, what are we defined by? Throughout history man has been defined by his accomplishments, by what he has done. It was the same for Gideon. And while it quickly led to their death, Zebah and Zalmunna, called him out on it. They essentially said, “Hey, if you’re the man you say you are, do it yourself”

I think that’s some pretty challenging words to all of us. We talk so much about what we should and are going to do yet so many times our minds remain unconvinced, and we do nothing (or worse, give a lame effort).

While we know that everything starts with heart and motive, our words that come from our intentions often lie in contrast to our actions. But actions speak louder than words. Honestly, they’re more productive as well... for everyone, especially on our faith journey. After finally taking action on a thought or a conviction that we’ve wrestled with for seasons, we typically either see immediately it’s error and can correct it, or sense clearly its affirmation. The experience in itself offers insight, confidence, and direction. The journey moves us from “wondering and wandering” to “knowing and showing”. We experience a new way of knowing that creates amazing life change, a new way of experiencing Christ, and a new way of living.

And it starts with action. I think Nike had it right when they said, “Just do it”. Even when we don’t want to, it just works.

Or as Richard Rohr, author of “Simplicity” put it, “You cannot think your way into a new kind of living. You have to live your way into a new kind of thinking.”

I think that’s one of the main reasons Jesus commissioned us to be a “sent” people and challenged us to “do”, especially for the “least of these”. While it certainly can make a tangible difference in the life of others to take action for them… I’m always amazed at the difference it makes in us. In our effort to turn our attention and affections away from ourselves, through the power of Christ, we end up receiving even more than we give. In the words of Tommy Boy, “That’s a Mystery”.

Jesus knows what He’s doing. He always has.