The Challenge of Gideon

This morning Sunday 24th June we did Lesson 14 on Judges and focused on Judges 6: 33-40. Gideon now was preparing for battle with the Midianites and Amalekites. The Spirit of the Lord came upon him. Empowered, he was no more the frightened man, but warrior for the Lord. He was now daring, determined and decisive. He took up the shofar or trumpet and rallied the people around him. I can imagine him singing "Sound the battle cry, see the foe is nigh, Raise the standard high for the Lord."

First to respond were the Abiezrites, his own clan - the people who wanted to kill him earlier. There had been a change in their attitude toward Gideon. Evidently, his family, relatives, friends and now ready to fellow his leadership.

It's a fact, we cannot live for God without somehow impacting our family and close associates. When we show bold commitment to do God's will in our lives, others will be challenged to follow suit. Then he sent messages to neighbouring tribes and before long 32,000 men were ready to take up arms to fight the enemy.

Gideon certainly displayed great courage in calling people to battle. However, in private he still had doubts concerning this challenge. He wanted clear proof he was doing God's will. He needed reassurance. So we read of Gideon and his fleece.

Gideon told God if He would make the fleece wet, while leaving the surrounding ground dry, then it would be clear to him that God would save the nation though him. God graciously responded according to Gideon's request - the wet fleece and dry ground.

Gideon went back on his word and asked God to do the same miracle once again on in reverse. One time should be wrong enough, but to request a second time was going too far. Yet God was very patient with Gideon and granted his request.

Putting out the fleece is an indication of lack of faith and courage on Gideon's part. God had already assured Gideon of His presence (6:12), had promised He would use Gideon to deliver Israel (6: 14, 16) God had given him a special sigh at his request to prove He was with him (6: 17-22) Therefore the sign of the fleece, not once, but twice was confirmation of what Gideon already knew.

We don't need extraordinary signs to discover God's will. We who believe in Him, have the assurance of being led by the Spirit who is present with us and in us. We can find inner peace about life's decisions (Col. 3: 15) When we pray and listen to Him, He gives us direction and He sends godly or spiritual people  to help us.

There is no need to seek special signs. There is no need for us to put out the fleece. When God guides, the leadership of the Spirit will by in sync with the Word of God. These two assurance will produce in us that  peace in our hearts. So I conclude, the Spirit of God, the Word of God and that inner peace will combine to give us what the Lord is telling us to do.

I love the song which says, "Doing the will of God, the best thing I know in this world below is doing the will of God." And when God commands us to do anything, He provides the resources for us to accomplish our task. Take heart.

Every morning when I awake, I give thanks to God for yet another day He is giving me. "This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it." Everyday for me is a bonus from God. then I seek His direction for the day. I read His word, the Bible plus The Salvation Army's devotional reading, "Words of Life."  God is great, God is good and God is gracious.