We meet an unusual man named Gideon in chapter 6 of Judges. Gideon is the one chosen by God to lead Israel against Midian.

When the Lord appears to Gideon he does not just listen to the Lord and obey. He has doubts. He is not sure if he can trust him. After all, if God is so powerful why is life for Israel so bad under the oppressive Midianites?

Gideon asks the Lord to perform a sign so he can believe him.

Later, at the end of the chapter, Gideon once again asks the Lord to give him a sign of his power and presence. In both instances the Lord gives him the sign to encourage his faith.

Gideon needed assurance of God's power in his life. Gideon needed to know that God will keep his promises.

Today, we don't need to ask God for a sign. God has already given us a sign - the sacraments.

Specifically, the sacrament of the Lord's Supper is a sign and a seal of God's promises to us. In the sacrament the Holy Spirit strengthens our faith and confirms God's covenant with his people.

The bread and the wine signify that through the broken body and spilled blood of Jesus Christ our sins are forgiven. Moreover, the Holy Spirit seals those spiritual promises upon our hearts as we receive the elements with faith in him.

Gideon asked God for a sign and received it. Today, God gives us a sign in the sacrament and we are to receive it by faith.

Finally, in chapter 6 Gideon's personal faith is emboldened by the sign in order that he will demonstrate his faith in public. He reveals his faith by obeying the call to destroy the altar to Baal in his hometown. With his personal faith strengthened by the sign from God, Gideon obeys.

As the Word of God and the sacrament reveal God's promises to you, how will you shine the light of the Gospel to others in your life?

How will you demonstrate your faith in the Triune God to others in Mt Pleasant and Charleston?