I’ve always loved the story of Gideon. I was reading it again yesterday in Judges 6 and realized maybe for the first time that Gideon wasn’t just insecure – hiding in the winepress – the least of his tribe. He was a man with some big questions. The angel of the Lord appeared to him and greeted him “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you”. Gideon doesn’t even seem to notice the “mighty hero” part as he zeros in on “the Lord is with you part”. For 7 years Gideon has seen his people ravaged by camel riding marauders who destroyed their crops and left them nothing to eat, forcing them to hide in caves. So he responds with a question. “If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?….” Interestingly enough the angel of the Lord doesn’t respond to his question – maybe because of the prophet who had already been sent who outlined why all this was happening to them. Instead he says “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you.”
A man with questions
What I so love about this story is that God allows questions and still uses Gideon mightily. I have had questions too. Questions about suffering and if God sends it upon His people or if it is the work of the enemy that our God clearly uses for good. Questions can cause us to stop in our journey with Jesus. Instead of steadily pursuing we stop and ruminate and deliberate. I love that God’s word to Gideon was “Go.” He had questions, he clearly had some insecurity and honestly there seems to be a perpetual doubt that pops up in Gideon. (thinking of the fleeces) However God speaks LIFE over Gideon. “Mighty hero” (Gideon hiding at the bottom of the winepress possibly grumbling about the plight of his people – really a mighty hero?) God gives him purpose and a journey, promising His Presence. Thank You Jesus that You do the same for us! For Your love that sweeps into Your plan, allowing us to be a part of your Kingdom. Thank You for not leaving me in my questions and doubt but calling me to “go”. To follow Your purpose and step out in this journey to be used by You. You are so good! Let Your Church respond to Your call!
