The Ministry Of Purah

by D. Smith, Lerwick | Category: General | Dec 1980

There can be no doubt that Gideon's faith was subjected to severe trial when the Lord reduced his followers from 32,000 to 300 having eliminated the fearful and those who bowed down upon their knees to drink (see Jud. 7). Although the Lord gave His word "By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you", Gideon's confidence had evidently suffered a setback, and we can well appreciate his feelings when he contrasted this small company with a vast army that "lay along the valley like locusts for multitude". No doubt Gideon knew, as well as did Jonathan in his day, that "there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few" (1 Sam. 14:6). The working of God is not dependent on numbers. He can, without difficulty, manifest His supreme power by using a few empty vessels. However unlikely men may judge the possibilities, God's power excels in every field, and help is always at His command.

When God spoke to Gideon, the shades of night lay over the valley of Jezreel and a like darkness lay upon the trembling heart of this "mighty man of valour". But, as always in the crucial hour of trial, the Lord has a word suitable to the occasion. If only our hearts are tuned to heaven we will hear that "still small voice" speaking to us, through the Scriptures of truth and experience blessing which has no equal in the life of a heavenly pilgrim. "I will love him, and will manifest Myself unto him", "and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him".

Such promises are a living communication to be sought and cherished by all who love the Lord Jesus and who feed upon His word.

How apt was the word of the Lord to Gideon "Arise, get thee down into the camp; for I have delivered it into thine hand"! In God's dealing the victory was already achieved. "I have delivered it into thine hand" is an accomplished fact, reminding us that nothing can withstand the purposes of God.

"But" - and with these words the Lord seems to touch gently the weakest spot in Gideon's armour, to lay His gracious hand upon the "drooping spirit" of a mighty man (Jud. 6:14) - "if thou fear to go down, go thou with Purah thy servant". The "if" does not imply divine ignorance, and God well knew the fear that was troubling the mind of His chosen man, and the answer to that fear was near at hand, "go thou with Purah thy servant". We may think that the record of this incident would not have been diminished had the Spirit of God omitted the name of Purah, but its insertion has enriched the narrative with a spiritual application. The servant's name, which means "foliage, coverage", was pertinent to a situation where, because of fear, the advance of a great man was dependent on the protection and encouragement of another. Are there not times in all our lives when we feel encouraged to go forward by the support of a fellowworker who gives our faith an opportunity to recover its strength?

God's servants sometimes experience fearfulness and depression. At some time or other they know the valley experience when, like the Psalmist, they complain, "my spirit is overwhelmed" (Psa. 77:3). None greater was born of women than John the Baptist, yet his faith was severely tested as he languished in the confines of Herod's prison.

At such times a precious "Purah" ministry of encouragement and shielding is of inestimable value. If this should be the gift which the Spirit of God has distributed to any one of us, then let us thank God and seek grace to minister it "as good stewards of the manifold grace of God". The unsatisfied need may be affecting your assembly. Perhaps someone more gifted and more Christ-like than yourself cannot move forward, lacking the necessary faith to grip the promise of God, and sorely needing the encouragement which your love and fellowship can provide.

The word "Purah" does not imply a veil to conceal evil and wrong, but carries the thought of beauty and adornment. What is more beautiful to the individual and to the testimony of God's people than the fulfilling of the law of Christ in the bearing of one another's burdens (Gal. 6:2)? This will bring mutual refreshment of spirit which the apostle so fully valued (1 Cor. 16:17,18) and spared no effort to obtain for the sake of the saints (2 Cor. 4:15). Paul wrote, "Whether we be afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or whether we be comforted, it is for your comfort, which worketh in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer" (2 Cor. 1:6); "I endure all things for the elect's sake" (2 Tim. 2:10).

How far would I go for the sake of another? Would I go down to "the outermost part of the armed men" to provide the coverage, strength and encouragement which a brother or sister may require in order to fulfil God's purpose? Does my willingness compare with the distance Christ came from the height of glory down to the heart of the earth to rescue us and lead us to

glory?

D. Smith, Lerwick | Dec 1980
General