We read in Judges 6:11, “Then the LORD's angel came to the village of Ophrah and sat under the oak tree that belonged to Joash, a man of the clan of Abiezer. His son Gideon was threshing some wheat secretly in a wine press, so that the Midianites would not see him.” (GNB)
Observe the kind of details that the bible mentions in the verse above, just so we can recognize this one man without any doubt. These explicit details also help us to realize that this was a true historical event. The man’s name was Gideon, his father’s name was Joash, who belonged to the clan of Abiezer, and they lived in a village called Ophrah. Also the angel of the Lord who visited that village sat under an oak tree. At the time when the angel of the Lord visited him, Gideon was hiding in a wine press, threshing wheat for fear of their enemies, who raided them often, plundered their belongings, and carried off all of their produce.
There were others who lived in the same place where Gideon lived, who were so filled with dread that they hid in the caves in the mountains. In the midst of this crisis, Gideon though in hiding, kept on working hard to take care of the needs of his family. Gideon did not waste his time or hide in a remote place like other people, but rather put to good use all the resources that were available to him.
The fearful situation that Gideon found himself in, is a lot similar to the pandemic and lockdowns that we encountered. We too are filled with fear, and were unable to lead a normal life. So many people were almost frozen with fright, and the constant barrage of bad news from the media had left them wondering, if they will ever be able to return back to a life of normalcy.
The assurance from the angel of the Lord
We read in Judges 6:12, The LORD's angel appeared to him there and said, "The LORD is with you, brave and mighty man!" (GNB)
The words spoken by the angel of the Lord to Gideon who was fearful and in hiding, was that the Lord was with him. Gideon was addressed to as a brave and mighty man. I imagine that Gideon might have looked around to see who this brave and mighty man was, to whom the angel of the Lord was speaking to. Only later he realized that he was the one addressed to by the angel of the Lord. Gideon was a courageous man no doubt, but the things he saw, the experiences he had, made him fearful and jittery. His body was strong, but Gideon’s heart had become faint. The reason for Gideon’s angst was because of all the terrifying reports that he had heard about the enemies who attacked, and salvaged all that belonged to his own people. He was constantly hearing of bad things happening to his people, almost similar to what we are experiencing today.
Gideon was truly a man of might, but the circumstances around him had made him believe that he could do nothing. The angel of the Lord had to remind Gideon that God was with him, for apparently Gideon was unaware of this fact.
Here’s an important point to note. As much as we give importance to our physical well-being, it is vital that we give greater attention to the welfare of our heart. If our bodies have to be fit, we must nourish it with a healthy food, and avoid junk food. So also, if our hearts have to be well, we must give it that which is beneficial for its well-being. This means that what we see and what we hear should be monitored, as all of it goes deep into our hearts, and sadly many are not cautious about this. Let us guard our minds against all the clutter that is readily available in various forms of entertainment and gossip, especially through social media.
Just like Gideon, we too are filled with apprehension, simply because we are constantly hearing news that is adverse, and disheartening. Recently a lady shared the news of the sudden death of a young neighbor after a brief illness, and when her friend heard it, she was terrified as she also was the same age, and had similar symptoms as the woman who had died. Therefore, if we keep on sharing such bad news with others, it will create a sense of dread in the hearts of people. Instead, we must tune our ears to listen to God’s word, which can truly strengthen our souls, and must take heed that our hearts are established on God’s word alone.
A good example, is the elephant which is a huge animal, with tremendous strength. However, a mahout is able to keep this animal under his control with a small chain around it’s leg or a little stick in his hand. The reason is that this wild elephant is tamed by confining it to a closed enclosure, and over a period of time, the elephant begins to believe that it has no strength. This huge majestic and powerful wild animal, is therefore tamed to behave like a pet dog.
We must constantly remind ourselves that we are not weak, but strong in the Lord. Only those who have this thought firmly embedded in their minds, can face the enormous challenges of our times, and will have the grit to live. Let us be confident knowing that God is with us, and with Him on our side we will always be strong, for He will keep us safe. There are so many believers who know the Lord personally, but have forgotten that God is with them.
Almost seven hundred years before Jesus was born, the prophet foretold that He would be called “Immanuel” which means “God with us.” The early church believed this truth so firmly that they never needed an image or statue to remind them of the Lord, for they had the perfect assurance that the risen Lord Jesus was always with them. This should be our affirmation too, for the risen Lord is with us, whether we are aware of it or not.
Gideon questions the angel of the Lord regards their plight
This was Gideon’s reply to the angel of the Lord in Judges 6:13, Gideon said to him, "If I may ask, sir, why has all this happened to us if the LORD is with us? What happened to all the wonderful things that our fathers told us the LORD used to do—how he brought them out of Egypt? The LORD has abandoned us and left us to the mercy of the Midianites." (GNB)
The first question that Gideon asked was, “Where was God?” and “Why had all these calamities come upon them?” and he also wondered as to, “Why God didn’t stop all these atrocities that they encountered?”
This is the same question that many people are asking during our difficult seasons. Why is God silent? Let me explain this to you. This world was beautifully created by God, and entrusted to man. One of the several problems that the world is facing right now is the global warming. This has caused the sea level to rise alarmingly all over the world. The reason for this calamity is that man has mined deep into the earth, dug out the coal, and is burning up massive quantities of coal for transport and power, causing a great amount of pollution. Additionally, there is deforestation all over the world. Such actions of man have affected this beautiful creation of God adversely. However, when there are natural calamities as a result of all of this, people tend to question God.
Let me give you another example. A nation wants to protect itself, and so builds a huge armament. Over a period of time, they covet a portion of fertile land that belongs to a neighboring country, and want to possess it. Since they have the needed weapons, they wage war, and the consequence is that innocent lives are lost. When this transpires, people then question God as to why it happened. So, we see that for all the disasters that come upon us, many are blaming God, instead of realizing that these are brought about by man himself.
If we were to analyze this, we will realize that when there is a war between nations, quarrels between neighbors or fights among siblings over a piece of property, it is quite obvious that the problem is deep-seated in the heart of human beings. Human beings want to live any way they want, and when things get out of control, and there is trouble, then they begin to question God. We must pray that God should change us from within, for only then will there be transformation in our families, society, our country and the world, so that everybody will prosper. Many people when they go through troubled times declare that God has forsaken them.
God will never leave us nor forsake us
This is God’s word in Hebrews 13:5, Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, "I will never leave you; I will never abandon you." (GNB)
The Lord assures us that He will not leave us, nor forsake us, and when God says something He is faithful to keep His promises. The first part of the verse describes two things namely love for money and discontentment, both of which will separate us from God. As we go through various trials in our lives, our emotions keep changing. We should therefore not depend on our emotions, but entirely on God’s word, which alone is unchanging. The Lord guarantees us that He will certainly never leave us nor forsake us.
When Jesus was crucified, there were two criminals who were also crucified on either side of Him.
We read in Luke 23:43, Jesus said to him, "I promise you that today you will be in Paradise with me." (GNB)
We surmise from this incident that the Lord Jesus is not with us only while here on earth, but He will remain with us unto eternity. If we want the present situation to change, the first thing that must happen is a change of heart. Secondly, we must learn to live our lives based on God’s word, and not based on our emotions.
Gideon felt incompetent
Gideon continued his conversation with the angel of God. We read in Judges 6:15, Gideon replied, "But Lord, how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least important member of my family." (GNB)
Gideon’s answer to God’s call was that he was from the clan of Israel that was weakest, and that he was therefore not qualified to lead the people of Israel.
God’s assurance to Gideon
The response that God gave to Gideon was simple. We read in Judges 6:16, The LORD answered, "You can do it because I will help you. You will crush the Midianites as easily as if they were only one man." (GNB)
God had to assure Gideon that He was with him, and that was all that was needed for him to succeed.
There are many who reason that they would do more if only they were more affluent, had a better position in society, or were more educated. They cite all these inadequacies as reason for their inability to do much. The Lord reminds us that we should put aside all our excuses knowing His presence can more than compensate for all our shortcomings. As children of God when we stop grumbling and complaining, knowing that God is with us, then we will surely come forth victorious.
Gideon presented an offering
The next thing Gideon requested of the angel of the Lord is recorded in Judges 6:18, Please do not leave until I bring you an offering of food." He said, "I will stay until you come back." (GNB)
Gideon wanted to present an offering unto the Lord, and so he requested the angel of the Lord to stay until he got the offering ready. At the end of the conversation between Gideon and the angel of the Lord, there were many changes that took place inside of Gideon. These changes in Gideon prompted him to want to honor the angel of the Lord who came seeking after him. Just note that the angel of the Lord did not ask for an offering, but this was a spontaneous gesture of thanksgiving by Gideon.
It is a fact that when we are in communion with God, and as we begin to hear the words of God, we will experience transformation, for God’s word is life and Spirit to those who receive it. The word of God will always fulfill the purpose for which it was sent out.
There are many people today who give an offering to the Lord, their only expectation being to receive back a hundred times of what they gave. This is a wrong motive for giving.
We give to honor God for all that He has done for us. You might have noticed when a dignitary is invited to a function, the ones who receive them will honor him or her with a bouquet or a shawl. The size of the bouquet will vary depending on the position of the one who is invited. In reality the bouquet or shawl is immaterial to that person in such a high post, but it is given simply to honor the person for who her or she is. When we too think of all the good things that we have received from the Lord, we can’t help, but thank Him for the same. We must also keep in mind that offerings are not the only way to honor God, for there are so many other ways in which we can honor Him too.
Gideon recognized the angel of the Lord
The next thing that happened is recorded in Judges 6:22-23, Gideon then realized that it was the LORD's angel he had seen, and he said in terror, "Sovereign LORD! I have seen your angel face-to-face!" But the LORD told him, "Peace. Don't be afraid. You will not die." (GNB)
It was only when Gideon’s offering was consumed by fire, he realized that he had been speaking to the angel of the Lord. Gideon thought that his life was ended, as he had seen the angel of the Lord face to face. However, the Lord assured Gideon that he should be at peace as he would not die as he feared. All of the fears and confusion that filled Gideon’s heart, was suddenly replaced with God’s peace and quiet.
Think about these words of God, and how relevant they are to our times. God’s word encourages us in the midst of all the turmoil and confusion that surrounds us, to not be fearful, to be at peace, and to be assured that we will not die. Even today we are in need of this peace, and there is a God who is willing to give it to us.
What should we do in order to experience this peace in our hearts?
Firstly, we need a change of heart. We need to set aside all those things like anger, hatred, divisions and enmity that we harbor in our hearts.
Secondly, let us not depend on our emotions that keep changing, making us joyful at times and woeful at other times. Instead, let us stand firm on the word of God that does not change, and cling on with hope to His promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us, and that He will remain with us even unto the end of the age.
Thirdly, let us seek God’s presence. Many people are caught up with the losses in their lives, and are concentrated on all that is lacking in their lives. If the presence of God is with us, there is nothing that we will lack.
Fourthly, let us make a decision to honor God with our words, our lives and with all that we have.
Gideon built an altar to the God of Peace
We read in Judges 6:24, Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovah shalom: (KJV)
Gideon built an altar unto the Lord, and called it ‘Jehovah Shalom’ meaning ‘God is Peace.’ After this amazing encounter with God, Gideon was a transformed man, and all his confusion was replaced with clarity and peace. This change in Gideon’s heart transformed the lives of all the children of Israel as the enemy was defeated and subdued.
As children of God if you are going through a season of confusion and turmoil, let me assure you that our God is Jehovah Shalom, and He will give you His peace. He can change your situation around, calm your confusion, remove your fears, and bring peace that surpasses all understanding. Let us seek God, stand firm on His word, not on our emotions, honor God and remain in His presence, and certainly all of our burdens will be lightened. Remember that the Lord Jesus triumphed over death, He is alive, and will give heed to us when we call upon Him.
Rev. F. Andrew Dixon
www.goodnewsfriends.net
Transcribed by: Sis. Esther Collins
