“And the Children of Israel did evil into he sight of the Lord: and the Lord delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.” Judges 6:1.

Inevitably, when we forsake the Lord we accuse Him of forsaking us.  The Law of the Old Testament was given to reveal sin as sin.  The Cross of Jesus will reveal the sinner as a sinner in need of a Saviour IF we will humble ourselves to the reflection we see.  Living in the Age of Grace does not mean God operates any differently.  Because Israel had forsaken God and pursued other idols, God allowed them to be delivered into the hands of Midian.   God’s chosen people, the Israelites, were dwelling in caves out of fear.

The Lord heard the call of His people and sent them Gideon.  As Gideon began to point to their idols, they grew angry.  Such is the case in the church today.  The church calls out to God and God sends someone to reveal to them their idols (their religion) and instead of being thankful to God, they are offended at the messenger.  When the idols of todays church are touched, whether it be their methods, their television evangelist or any other man made religious schemes, the religious become angry and begin to warn of the “spirit of offense”.  Yes, there is a spirit of offense but the eyes of the religious are blinded to their reflection…they are the ones offended at their idols being touched.

When we are offended we must discern the reason for our offense.  Did the Lord send them as an answer to a prayer and the reflection paints an ugly picture?  “Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him who has ten talents.” Matthew 25:28.  Light rejected is light taken.  Discern the offense before rejecting the offense, it may be an answered prayer.  – Donna Warren