Day Fourteen: Gideon – Against All Odds
Today’s Reading: Hebrews 11:32; Judges 6:1-8:32
Introduction: By the time we meet Gideon in the Bible, we are already familiar with the regular refrain of Israel’s sin, God’s judgment through oppressing enemies, their plea to God for deliverance, and the appearance of a warrior leader who rescues them from their plight. Gideon was one of these warrior leaders. When he appears in the book of Judges, Israel is under the hard subjection of the pagan Midianites, Amalekites, and others. Against this background, the Angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and called him to rescue his people from their oppression. We know that Gideon was concerned for his people. His response to the Angel of the Lord was to ask why God hadn’t helped His people. The Lord responded by telling Gideon that He was about to do that very thing through him. Gideon is best known for seeking undeniable proof that God had called him to this monumental task. He put out his now famous fleece for God to prove it. When Gideon does accept his calling, God adds something more to the challenge by reducing his numbers to the point where no one could claim that Gideon had defeated Israel’s enemies without God’s help.
Application: Most of us can probably relate to Gideon. He wasn’t looking for fame or fortune when he was pressed into service by the Lord. He was minding his own business and trying to eke out a living while staying off the radar screen. Like Gideon, we are also concerned about the condition of our world, our culture, and our communities. We pray for God to do something about it, never thinking that He would call us to be the solution. Then, when God does call us to get involved, we also often put our calling to the test in some way. We worry that the task is too big and that we aren’t up to it. Gideon’s experience reminds us that ultimately the battle is the Lord’s. When God decides to move, it doesn’t matter how much or how little we have at our disposal. One person plus God is enough if God calls that person. It is only for us to respond when God calls and then let Him win the victory through us.
Prayer: Dear Lord, sometimes my faith is weak. I see my problems and the problems around me and I think that they are insurmountable. Thank You for reminding me that You are greater than any problem. I ask You to intervene to help with the challenges I am facing. I ask You to intervene in my community and my country and help to restore us to a place that You would be pleased to bless. Please raise up the leaders we need to do this. If You should call me to be part of the solution, I commit to trust You to provide all that I need to fulfill my calling, and I will be sure to give You all the credit for any success. Amen.