Judges 6:11–8:35
Gideon
Most of us want to know God’s plan for our lives, and we focus on how we can discover it. One common misunderstanding is the idea that God’s guidance has nothing to do with what we’re doing now. But if we’re always looking toward whatever grand assignment God might have in store for us in the future, we can run the risk of overlooking or even ruining whatever we’re working on right now. The Bible demonstrates that God’s guidance can come in the midst of—and in response to—one’s present situation. A good example of this kind of guidance is seen in Gideon’s life.
Gideon had a limited vision, but he was committed to it. His challenge was to obtain food for his family even though hostile invaders were making the growing, gathering, and preparation of the food almost impossible. Gideon was resourceful. He put a winepress to double duty by turning it into a sunken threshing floor. It lacked ventilation to blow the chaff away, but at least it was hidden from the Midianites. Gideon was working in his threshing floor when God sent him a messenger with a challenge.
Gideon was surprised by what God told him to do. He did not want to jump into a task for which he was ill prepared. The angel had to overcome three objections before Gideon was convinced: (1) Gideon’s feelings of responsibility for his family’s welfare, (2) his doubts about the call itself, and (3) his feelings of inadequacy for the job. Once Gideon was convinced, however, he obeyed with zest, resourcefulness, and speed. He dedicated those personality traits to God, with whom he was now personally acquainted.
Gideon had his weak moments and failures, but he was still God’s servant. If you can easily relate to Gideon’s weakness, can you also see yourself being willing to serve? Remember Gideon as a man who obeyed God by giving his attention to the task at hand. Then give your full attention to believing that God will have prepared you for tomorrow when it comes.
Strengths and accomplishments:
A military strategist who was an expert at surprise
Led Israel to defeat the Midianites
Though slow to be convinced, acted on his convictions
Weaknesses and mistakes:
Feared that his own limitations would prevent God from working through him
Collected Midianite gold and made a symbol that became an idolatrous object of worship
Through a concubine, fathered a son who would bring great grief and tragedy to both Gideon’s family and the nation of Israel
Failed to establish the nation in God’s ways (after he died, they all went back to idol worship)
Notable facts:
Was Israel’s fifth judge
Was offered, but rejected, a hereditary kingship by the leaders of Israel
Is a member of the “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11
Lessons from his life:
God calls in the middle of our present obedience; as we are faithful, he gives us more responsibility.
God expands and uses the abilities he has already given us.
God uses us in spite of our limitations and failures.
Even those who make great spiritual progress can easily fall into sin if they don’t consistently follow God.
Vital statistics:
Where: Ophrah, valley of Jezreel, spring of Harod
Occupations: Farmer, warrior, judge
Relatives: Father: Joash. Son: Abimelech.
Contemporaries: Zebah, Zalmunna
Key verses:
“‘But Lord,’ Gideon replied, ‘how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!’ The LORD said to him, ‘I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.’” (Judges 6:15-16)
Gideon’s story is told in Judges 6–8. He is also mentioned in Hebrews 11:32.
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