Musing – What to learn from Gideon’s Encounter with the LORD?

 Hebraic Musing – What to learn from Gideon’s Encounter with the LORD?

Gideon was a warrior, but he didn't want to be a leader.  God asked Gideon to trust him to save Israel by fighting the battle with just three hundred men whom God would select.  This popular Biblical account teaches us (1) that God chooses ordinary people to do great things and (2) following God's instructions is always the best way to serve Him.  How might Gideon be a lot like us?

We first find him in Judges 6:11 – “Gideon threshed wheat in the winepress, in order to hide it from the Midianites.” NKJV   Why was he hiding?  “Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD. So the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian...” Jdg.6:1   Might this happen sooner than later to us Americans?   Will we find ourselves persecuted and living in fear and trying to hide our Christianity?

In verse 12 – “And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him, and said to him, ‘The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor!’”  Does the Holy Spirit speak assurances to us today?  How well do we listen?

Gideon wonders where the LORD has been in all the tribulation in the land, but he gets an answer in v.14 that might apply to us today?!?!   “And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him, and said to him, “The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor!”  Is this the same LORD that has our back?

Gideon received further encouragements from the LORD described in Judges 6:15 to 27, and then:

·      Gideon destroyed the Altar of Baal.  He took daring action after the Spirit of the LORD came upon him. 

·      Then he did his famous fleece routine as he questioned the LORD’s support three times!  Gideon, like many of us, doubted his own abilities.  He suffered so many defeats and failures that he even put God to the test.

·      Then he and only 300 men subdued the Midianites using the successful strategy the LORD provided!  This battle took place in the Valley of Jezreel; prophetic of a future battle?!?!

·      Gideon’s obedience was rewarded.  “Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, ‘Rule over us, both you and your son, and your grandson also; for you have delivered us from the hand of Midian.’  But Gideon said to them, ‘I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you.’” Judges 8:22   Gideon finally learned that   ♫ Our God Reigns... ♫   

SUMMARY - “Thus Midian was subdued before the children of Israel, so that they lifted their heads no more. And the country was quiet for forty years in the days of Gideon.” Judges 8:28    Gideon was a warrior but he didn't want to be a leader.  God asked Gideon to trust him, and to fight the battle short-handed.  With the power of God, Gideon and his three hundred men defeated the mighty Midianites and Israel was freed.  Gideon was no longer in hiding!  How might we find ourselves “in hiding”?

Might the LORD’s earlier word to another young warrior, Joshua, also apply to us?  “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NKJV

Points to Ponder

Are your family, friends and neighbors prepared
in case our future life is in an anti-godly nation?

What has to happen for us to realize that ♫ Our God Reigns... ♫?

Does the LORD need warriors for His Kingdom...especially with the looming persecution?

Are we ready to take the lead as a warrior for the Kingdom, trusting the LORD’s support? 

♫ Be bold! Be strong! For the Lord your God is with you. I am not afraid, I am not dismayed,
            Because I’m walking in faith and victory, ...   For the Lord, your God is with you. ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                    August 8, 2023
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”  

Note – Inspired by and excerpted from Johanna Hocker’s “Gideon’s encounter with Yeshua!”  Aug.1, 2023