Today’s Reading: Judges 6

After Deborah and Barak led the Israelites to victory, there was peace in the land for forty years. Then the Israelites began doing evil in the Lord’s sight, so he handed them over to the Midianites for seven years. The Midianites were so cruel that the Israelites found themselves hiding in caves and strongholds to protect themselves from the raiders, marauders and enemy hoarders that were devastating their crops and stealing their flocks. Once the Israelites were reduced to starving, THEN they cried out to the Lord for help.

Then the angel of the Lord came and sat beneath the great tree of Ophrah…Gideon son of Joash was threshing wheat at the bottom of a winepress to hide the grain from the Midianites. The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!” – Judges 6:11-12

HERE I COME TO SAVE THE DAY!!!

Well, that is what we remember the cartoon character Mighty Mouse saying but Gideon’s response was a little different. Before he stepped into this new leadership position, he wanted proof from God. When I read the dialogue between Gideon and the Lord, I am a little shocked by his bold accusations and his demand for proof from God.

“Where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? … The Lord has abandoned us…” — Judges 6:13

“If you are truly going to help me, show me a sign to prove that it is really the Lord speaking to me…” — Judges 6:17a

I find it crazy that Gideon would be so bold. Where is your display of power, God? Have you abandoned us? If you truly are faithful to keep your promises, show me a sign. I need proof; I need to feel your presence and hear your voice. When I remember the times I have argued and negotiated with God, I begin to relate a little to this not-so-mighty hero.

God did give Gideon the proof he asked for and Gideon, humbly realizing what he had demanded of the Lord, built an altar and named it Yahweh-Shalom – which means “the Lord is peace” (6:24). Now Gideon had peace in his heart that he was truly being called by God, but he still struggled with fear as demonstrated in this next situation. God told him to tear down his father’s altar to Baal and break his Asherah pole. Gideon obeyed but he did it at night because he was afraid of the other members of the family. God protected Gideon from their angry response and then something incredible happened in Gideon’s life.

Then the Spirit of the Lord took possession of Gideon. – Judges 6:34a

Now filled with the MIGHTY Spirit, Gideon blew a ram’s horn and sent messengers out, calling all of Israel’s warriors to come together to fight the Midianites. Then Gideon went back to his natural tendency and spiritual weakness; he asked God for proof that he was truly going to use Gideon to rescue Israel as God had promised He would do.

A great lesson for Gideon and a good reminder for me today is that God ALWAYS keeps His promises. There is no need for Him to repeat Himself or to prove His faithfulness. God can be trusted and I want nothing more than to blindly follow Him wherever He leads.

Father God, I ask for that kind of faith today. Give me a humble spirit that responds in awe of you and a grateful heart that is thankful to hear from you. May I accept your commands with courage and may I receive your call with a willingness to do whatever you want me to do. So great is your faithfulness; so amazing is your love. Amen.