Remember the “this, then that” approach. Focus on the present and take action towards your goals. Small steps each day will lead you closer to success. Dedication and perseverance can turn your dreams into reality. God works the same way with us.
Judges 6 is one of those moments in God’s Holy Word that we can slice, dice, and spice our lives with, as it has so much to grasp and practice. The richness in this passage offers guidance and wisdom for our daily routines.
The call of Gideon is a theological carnival of pure delight as we have multiple epiphanies throughout Judges 6, which boldly points us to a stunning Biblical principle, John 15 vs 16, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you.” So too, do we discover the eternal Jesus in the theophany described in Judges 6. ‘Verse 11, ‘The Angel of the LORD came and sat under the terebinth tree.’ When the Angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, we recognize this as a theophany – an Old Testament appearance of Jesus Christ in human, bodily form, but before His incarnation in Bethlehem. The description of the encounter with the Angel of the LORD shows that this is not merely an angel speaking on behalf of God. It shows that God appeared in human form and spoke to Gideon.’- ‘Enduring Word’.
Contextually, we need to see the psychology of Gideon to grasp the power of this significant event described in Judges 6 vs 15, ‘Gideon said to Him (Jesus), “O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.”‘ Evidently, Gideon suffers from self-esteem issues. Gideon feels emasculated, hence hiding from the Midianites in the winepress (vs 11). So does Gideon carry shame for Israel’s situation, causing him to question God (vs 13).
Does this sound like many of us in our current state?
Judges 6 has GREAT NEWS that teaches something significant, calling us to correct our defeatist and nihilistic attitude. But, we see the “this, then that” principle in action- cause and effect, Newton’s third law of motion.
But, Jesus sees something in Gideon that he doesn’t see in Himself. ‘Enduring Word’, tells us, to quote, vs 13, ‘The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor: This was a strange greeting to Gideon. It didn’t seem like the LORD was with him and it didn’t seem that he was a mighty man of valor. Gideon might have turned to see if there was another person to whom the angel spoke.
i. “Wherein did that valor consist? Apparently, he was a simple man living a very ordinary life. The Angel found him about his daily duty.” (Morgan)
d. Where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about: Gideon heard about the great works of God in the past, yet he wondered why he did not see the same great works in his day. Gideon thought the problem was with God (now the LORD has forsaken us) – not with him and with the nation of Israel as a whole. In truth, Israel forsook God – God did not forsake Israel.
i. Yet to his credit, it bothered Gideon that Israel was in this condition. He was far from apathetic or fatalistic. “He is revealed as a man continuing his work with the bitterness of the whole situation burning like a fire in his bones.” (Morgan)’- https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/judges-6/
In the book of Judges, chapter 6, verses 25-26, there is a story about Jesus putting Gideon to the test. Through this test, Jesus helps Gideon overcome his low self-esteem and assesses his level of faith. Jesus commands Gideon to destroy pagan idols. It is a common human tendency to cling to things even when God asks us to let go of them. Such disobedience can lead to our defiant rejection of Jesus.
It’s fascinating how Jesus instructed Gideon to construct an altar on the smashed pagan one and utilize the asherah wood to present a sacrifice to God. This emphasizes the significance of prioritizing Jesus above any other “god” in our lives. GOD MUST BE ON TOP.
In the story of Gideon, he obeyed God even under the cover of darkness. This is something we can all relate to – attempting things when no one is watching to avoid looking foolish if we fail. The principle of “this, then that” is apparent, highlighting the path to salvation. Judges 6 vs 34 states that “The Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon.” As a result of his obedience, God bestowed upon Gideon the power of His Spirit to rescue Israel from seven years of oppression by the Midianites.
2 Corinthians 12 vs 9 summarises this principle of ‘this, then that’ witnessed in Gideon’s story in Judges 6, ‘And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”‘
· Gideon had the might of caring because he cared about the low place of Israel.
· Gideon had the might of knowledge because he knew God did great things in the past.
· Gideon had the might of the spiritually hungry because he wanted to see God do great works again.
· Gideon had the might of the teachable because he listened to what the Angel of the LORD said.
Salvation is a ‘this, then that’ principle:
- God calls us
- We believe in our hearts and declare with our mouth
- God justifies us, and fills us with His Spirit
- We begin changing as we obey God’s conviction which sanctifies us
- Total transformation occurs upon Jesus’ return
#Hayibo 