Many radio stations for years broadcast a newscaster/ commentator named Paul Harvey.
He would begin his program, “And now, the rest of the story.” He gave startling news items hinting at our perverse civilization. Mr. Harvey once stated, “Currently, there are more than 1700 religious conflicts in the name of religion.” What is wrong?!
The Bible records many battles and conflicts in the name of religion. What’s the rest of the story? Nothing’s changed!
The Book of Judges tells a story about a man who listened to God. He bravely tore down false gods. They were related to Baal worship. Worship of this false god was prevalent in the Middle East. Israel disobeyed God and fell into Baal worship.
God sent them a prophet, saying, “This is what the Lord…says; ‘I brought you up out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. I rescued you …I said to you, I am the Lord your God…but you have not listened to me’” (Judges 6:810).
Every land area had its gods, such as Baal-Peor, Baal-Gad, Baal-Hazor, and Baal-Hamon.
When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior” ( Judges 6:12). What’s the rest of the story? “Pardon me…but if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us?” (Judges 6:13). You’ll need to read this exciting story in your Bible!
Gideon replied, “…give me a sign that it is really you talking to me” ( Judges 6:16-17). He received a sign!
”So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the Lord told him. But because he was afraid of his family and the townspeople, he did it at night…In the morning when the people of the town got up, there was Baal’s altar, demolished, with the Asherah pole beside it cut down and…the newly built altar! The people of the town demanded of Joash, ‘Bring out your son. He must die…But Joash replied to the hostile crowd around him…If Baal really is a god, he can defend himself when someone breaks down his altar” ( Judges 6:25-32).
If you are impressed by God’s work with Gideon, please read more about him in your Bible (Judges 636-40; 7:1-25). What’s the rest of the story?
Gideon is so much like you and me. He was surrounded by the worship of false gods. Your friends and neighbors may not honor the God of the Bible, but you can. You might be reluctant to obey Him, fearing what others will think of you for giving your life to the Lord. Have you blamed God for your life’s failures? Have you asked God for a sign to prove His presence in your life?
Won’t you trust Him and give your life to Christ Jesus?
What’s the rest of the story?