SCRIPTURE: JUDGES 6
GIDEON (vs. 1-40)
Because the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, He gave them into the hands of Midianites for 7 years. The Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern people invaded them and ruined all their crops and livestock. So the Israelites cried out to the Lord for Help.
Then an angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, who was threshing wheat in a vwnepress and said: “The Lord is with you mighty warrior”. But Gideon was doubtful of God’s presence and asked why He had abandoned them into the hands of Midian. The angel of the Lord told him he was sending him to save Israel out of Midian’s hand. But Gideon replied:” But Lord, how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh and I am the least in my family”> But the Lord assured to be with him in striking down all the Midianites together.
Gideon asked for proof. He went to bring offering and prepared a young goat and bread without yeast. The Lord accepted it with fire flamed from the rock consuming the meat and the bread. Then Gideon realized that it was really the Sovereign Lord. He built an altar and called it “The Lord is Peace” which stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
The same night, the Lord instructed him to tear down the altar of Baal and cut down the Asherah pole. Then build an altar to the Lord using the wood of the Asherah. So, Gideon took 10 of his servants and did it at night. In the morning when men of the town knew that Gideon had destroyed the Baal altar, they wanted to kill him. But the father of Gideon Joash said: “If Baal is really a god, he can defend himself when someone brakes down his altar”.
Then the Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern people joined forces against Israel. Gideon with the Spirit of the Lord blew a trumpet and summon the Abiezrites to follow him. He also called Asher, Zebulun and Naphtali to join him. But Gideon lacked faith. He wanted reassurance from the Lord. He placed a wool fleece on the threshing floor and said: “If there is dew only on the fleece andall the ground is dry, then I will know that God will save Israel. And that really happened. Again, Gideon made another request. That was to make the fleece dry and the ground covered with dew. God also did it.
THOUGHTS:
Gideon was hiding when God called him. He wanted evidence and need God’s assurance. God did what the asked for because he saw Gideon’s potential. God may slo do that to you. He sees your potential and know your weakness. And He will accommodate your needs to develop your faith. You can enjoy God’s peace as you fight your battle.
GOD’S PROMISES TO GIDEON:
- The Lord is with you. (v. 12)
- You shall save Israel. (v. 14a)
- Am I not sending you? (v. 14b)
- Surely I will be with you. (v.16)
Gideon took high risk by following God’s law. After learning that Gideon tore down Baal’s altar, the people wanted to kill him. When you accomplish something for God, you may be criticized by the very people who should support you.
Gideon demanded two miracles. He delayed obeying God because he wanted more proofs. Demanding extra signs was an indication of unbelief. Instead of taking action, fear makes us wait for mor confirmation. Today, the greatest means of God’s guidance is His Word. If you want God’s guidance, study the Bible.