Gideon
Judges 6-8
Judges is a hard book to read. It is packed with violence and idol worship and truly shows man's depravity. The story of Gideon is no exception to this. From the beginning, we see that Gideon is a bit of a coward, letting his doubt lead him to question and test God. Then as we read, God dwindles his army so no Israelite can boast about a victory that does not belong to them. Then we see Gideon’s temper rise and lead him to slaughter his people because they refused to help. The story ends with Gideon building an idol leading the people of Israel back to lives of disobedience, corruption, and forgetfulness of their God.
With so much blatant sin, it’s hard to read this story. I often remember and am annoyed at Gideon for testing God and turning his back after a quick victory. Yet, when I reread this story, I realized God is not annoyed. God fulfills every cowardly request Gideon makes. He delivers Israel out of the oppressive hands of Midian and into an era of peace.
Why? God, shouldn’t you be mad at Gideon for blatantly distrusting you?
We don’t know the details of God’s feelings, but we can take a very educated guess. He loved Israel. He loved Gideon. Does Scripture not remind us that God himself is patient (Gal. 5:22)?
Church, I submit to you, we shouldn’t follow Gideon’s footsteps at all, but look past the corrupt hearts of the Israelites and look to God in this story. God, out of his compassion for his people, delivers them through a serious doubter and brings them back to remember their true God.
How do you need to remind yourself of the character of your God today?
We doubt. We are afraid. We are insecure about the things God invites us to do. Yet, could we trust him? Could we follow him with the knowledge that our God is GOOD and GLORIOUS that even when we can’t see what’s coming, we still say yes?
Repent of your fleshly fear and doubts. Believe in your God and in who he says he is.
God forgives us in our doubt and fear. He is patient with us as he leads us to still waters and green pastures (Psalm 23).
