God Sends A Prophet
Starting in verse 7 we find the narrative differing from other Judges accounts. Generally God raises up a deliverer in response to the cries of His people in their trouble. In this story a prophet is sent first. It is his role to communicate to Israel the peril of their behavior so that they can understand why the Midianite destruction was allowed. In this we see the incredible grace and love of God. God desires us to be aware of things taking place around us and why they are happening from a spiritual point of view. Though this is not always the case, there are many occasions when He wants us to grasp His ways and learn from them. Often we don't put our circumstances together with something He is trying to teach us. When I was younger I was taught whenever circumstances arise that are confusing or counter to what I might have expected to ask, "God, what are you trying to teach me?" Through this the Lord has many times opened up to me great understanding that helped me learn how to walk more pleasing to Him in the future. God will often do this through people (pastors, mentors, leaders, friends, parents) as we see an area that we have missed the mark and are moved to repentance over it. This is motivated by His extreme love for each of us.
A Brief Overview
Moving on to verses 11-24 we are introduced to the man, Gideon. The Angel of the Lord (probably a manifestation of Jesus Himself) appears to Gideon and gives him high praise and esteem. Gideon responds skeptically and asks why the blessings and miracles which his ancestors had told him about were not coming about in their day. The Angel does not engage this discussion but instead commissions Gideon to a special mission (as a deliverer). In doing so He once again pours high esteem upon him. Gideon's inadequacy kicks in and he details to the Lord all the reasons why he cannot be the one. The Lord then speaks confidence into Gideon's spirit by declaring that He Himself will be with him. Gideon proceeds to ask the angel for a sign, which He gives in the form of a miraculous fire from a rock kindled upon some meat.
A Statement To His Spirit
Have you ever heard the Lord say to you, "The Lord is with you, you mighty man (or woman) of valor?" Gideon heard this from the Lord and there was absolutely nothing in his life that supported such a statement. The Angel was not speaking to Gideon about anything that he had done or about his outward and external attributes, instead He was speaking to the core of His being and to the destiny that He had put inside him as a mighty warrior. He fully stamped Gideon's true identity upon Him by declaring, "You mighty man of valor." God says the same thing to you today! He is speaking to the core of who you are and to the destiny that He has upon you as His Kingdom servant and warrior. He knows you and though nothing in your past might support such a statement, it is absolutely true of you. He is calling you forth for the purpose and destiny He has for you which is not of you at all, but entirely of Him. This is our situation just as it was Gideon's. God's presence coming upon us changes everything. God speaking out who we are and made to be breathes incredible courage into the most fearful heart. But we must extend faith and believe it.
God Uses Weak Things…
As God commissions Gideon to the task, we see in him a common response to most of us. He immediately thinks in the natural realm and looks upon his inadequacies as huge liabilities and too big to overcome. But God chose Him anyway to display His power through. God doesn't want to use someone who appears to always have it all together as He doesn't necessarily get all the glory and honor in these situations. But by using someone whom others know is just like them, He is able to show Himself thoroughly powerful and to draw others to Himself in this manner. God's ways and purpose are always supernatural. If He has promised something, He will do it as we walk in Him obediently and faithfully.
In the end Gideon's response is worth following. Though feeling extremely inadequate and not knowing why in the world God chose Him, he goes forth obediently and faithfully and God meets Him with power for the task. A big risk is required first and once the decision has been made toward faithfulness, God responds with showing Himself strong with power. The order here is never reversed. God requires faith, which involves an element of risk as we don't know exactly what the outcome might be.
"I Am With You"
God's promise throughout history to those who have been used of Him to do mighty exploits for the Kingdom is that "I am with you!" Jesus states this at the end of the Great Commission passage in Matthew 28: 20. It is His most powerful promise. What could be better then this. The Lord of Lords, the creator of all things, the majestic King, the Alpha and Omega, the Ancient of Days actually walking constantly with us. His presence is the key to all effective ministry and to a lifetime of ministry among the forgotten of the world. It is less about our strategies, our programs, our good evangelistic presentations, and much more about His presence. He is the One who has called us forward to this task of Global Proclamation in our lifetime. Let's stop doing it in our own strength and receive His promise of His presence among us for what it is. If we are walking obediently to this revealed word, we will not go wrong.
I challenge you to take time away from your busy ministry schedule and get alone with Jesus for a few days and let His presence saturate you. Let His love pour into your heart and spirit and be felt upon your emotions. Feel His presence and His unending love for you. Hear Him say, "I Love You and Am Well-Pleased With You!"
