4. Gideon: Man Of Courage Series

INTRODUCTION

During one of Napoleon’s battles, segments of his battle line were falling back in disorder and defeat. “Beat a retreat!” shouted Napoleon to a drummer boy. Saluting smartly, the heroic drummer boy said, “Sir, you never taught me to beat a retreat. I can only beat a charge!” The lad’s reply kindled new courage in Napoleon, who instantly gave the command, “Then beat a charge, drummer boy!” He did, and seeming defeat was turned into victory.

Are you a courageous person? How do you know? How is it measured, especially in the spiritual realm? Can it be said of you as a Christian that you are courageous for the cause of Christ?

Probably the best definition I have ever heard for courage is this: “Courage is fear that has said its prayers.”

BACKGROUND

Our unlikely hero for today is someone who thought himself a coward. His name is Gideon. We find his story in the middle of the era in Israel known as the time of the Judges. Israel had conquered the Promised Land but had failed to drive out all of its inhabitants as God had instructed. As a result, the remaining people groups became thorns in the side of the nation of Israel. They went through a continuous cycle during this time: Serenity, Sin, Servitude, Supplication, and Salvation. First, they would dwell in relative peace for some time. Then, they would sin against God again. After that, God allowed their enemies to overpower them and make them serve them. Next, they would cry out to God for help. Finally, God would send a Judge to deliver them and give them peace again.

During Gideon’s lifetime, the Midianites had become the dominant group. Because the people had sinned against God, God allowed the Midianites to invade them. The people of Israel feared them because they were vicious and unrelenting. They destroyed crops and stole animals from the Israelites. In fact, the Israelites went into hiding in mountains, caves, and strongholds.

This is now where we find our unlikely hero. He is hiding in a wine vat threshing wheat so that the Midianites might not find it. Gideon, like the rest of his people, was afraid. But, unbeknown to him, he possessed a quality that unlikely heroes often possess: Courage. He really did not believe himself to be a man of courage, but God proved him wrong!

Let’s read our text for today: Judges 6:11-16.

I find here some interesting issues concerning Gideon’s courage.

I. His Courage Was Unperceptively Dormant (vss. 12, 15)

As Gideon threshed the wheat, the “Angel of the Lord” appeared to him as a traveler. This seems to be a theophany, or special appearance of God in angel form. It may even be a Christophany, or the appearance of the second person of the Trinity in angel form. The writer of this book switches from calling Him “the Angel of the Lord” to “the Lord.” Either way, the being addressed Gideon in verse 12 with the words, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.” Valor means “great courage in the face of danger.” In other words, the Angel is pronouncing Gideon to be a courageous man.

Did Gideon believe himself to be a man of courage? Evidently not, since he is hiding! He even asks how it could be that God was with them if they were in subjection to the Midianites. He further suggests that God had abandoned them!

Gideon balked at the idea that he was a courageous one, and could lead the Israelites to victory, emphatically pointing out his own lineage as being the weakest link in the nation (vs. 15).

Christians often make excuses for why they cannot serve the Lord or share the gospel with others. They consider themselves either inept or ill-prepared for such tasks.

Many have Philippians 4:13 as their favorite or life verse, but never apply it to their life of obedience to Christ. Paul said, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

The only thing God has called us to do is to be faithful and obedient. He takes care of our weaknesses. He knows us better than we know ourselves, and He knows what great things we can accomplish. Are we willing to be courageous, to step out in obedience for Him, and to allow Him to use us?

Famed World War II tank commander General George Patton said, “Courage is fear holding on a minute longer.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson reflected something similar: “A man is a hero, not because he is braver than anyone else, but because he is brave for ten minutes longer.”

Someone has anonymously stated, “Courage is being the only one who knows you’re afraid.”

It is time for God’s people to be courageous!

II. His Courage was Supernaturally Awakened (vss. 14, 16)