Jun 3, 2020
Who Is The Leader, Oh, That’s Me?
Musings on Judges 6
There are so many wonderful truths encapsulated in this Judges chapter 6.
I feel like this chapter belongs in the file of things that make you go, hmmm.
The Angel of the Lord came and sat down with Gideon. Judges 6:11
He answered Gideon's questions.
Not all of them that we are told but He took time with Gideon. This is an amazing fact when you remember who He is.
Isa. 47:4 tells us He is the Lord of Hosts, He is the commander of the armies of Heaven, which is the Host the verse talks about, and yet He took time with Gideon. Judges 6:11–15
Gideon quickly responds to the call He was given by saying but I am from the least of the tribes and I am the least of my tribe. vs.15
Can you imagine the commander and chief coming to your house to visit you, To give you a commission?
He did not condemn him for asking or doubting who He was.
Again in my mind, I can imagine if the Commander and Chief came to me to do something I would be very careful what I said to him.
He listened to Gideon and waited as per his request. (The God of the Universe waited because one of his children asked him to…)
When I encounter these portions in the Bible where they are fixing a meal for the visitor I am imagining that it would take a while. I don’t think they had microwaves or instant pots.
Why is this important?
I feel it is important because when a high ranking official comes to your home you wouldn’t dream of making them wait two hours for a meal. I know they were different times, but it feels significant to me that He chose to wait.
He did it for the growth of Gideon. He knew that Gideon was going to need to know, that he knows, that it was God he was hearing to be able to carry out his mission.
I love that He called the seemingly unlikely, the least of the tribes, and the least of His family. There is a lot of encouragement in that. We don’t earn God’s favor or choosing. He chooses and He equips. It doesn’t require us to feel like it or to attain a certain status.
What came to me as I read and meditated on this whole portion was that it seems as though Gideon was stuck. He was stuck because He was waiting to follow someone when He was actually called to be a leader.
I love that again there was no condemnation or huffing or sighing when he asked the Lord for a sign, then turned around and asked Him to confirm it. Once again this is encouraging to me because God knew He needed the faith, courage, and firm belief that what he was doing was what God wanted him to do.
I am sure most of us can say that we have had something to do we thought God wanted us to do and had questions. Isn’t it good that God left this gem in the Bible so that we could read it and be encouraged?
God was patient with him
… even though he was called into leadership, some would say he should know better. We judge leadership so harshly. In fact, often we judge fellow Christians quickly. I am so glad God left us this example. He knew what Gideon needed and did not say you should know better, I showed you once. God did not say that.
We have talked about Him as the Lord of Hosts who gives commands but this Lord doesn’t just give commands He is also our shepherd, who looks after our every need. John 10:11
It is mind-boggling that our great Shepherd is also Lord of Hosts, Creator of the Universe Gen 1:1, He speaks and it is done, in the natural and supernatural yet He is patient, kind, and understanding of our humanity, insecurity, and needs.
He has a two-edged sword that comes from His mouth, yet He gathers us together under his wings. Revelation 1:16, Psalm 91:4
I love who God is!
It is knowing Him that will keep our faith strong and pursuing him that will keep us encouraged and hope-filled in difficult times.
I love getting to know Him more through His interactions with mankind. He is indeed the same yesterday today and tomorrow.
Yesterday, today, forever, Jesus is the same. All may change but Jesus never glory to his name. Albert B. Simpson, pub.1890
