It was worse than a recession. Every year the grain harvests looked good. But right at harvest time, an enemy came and took away the entire crop. Why did God allow this, year after year? Wasn't Israel his own particular nation? The first verse tells us: 'The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord'. It took seven long years of oppression before they cried out to the Lord for help (v.6). Israel's God answered immediately (verses 7-10) first through an unnamed prophet and then through an Angel. The conversation between the Angel and Gideon is very interesting. It is obvious that this Angel was none other than the Lord himself in visible form. This is called a 'Theophany'. The Angel spoke first: 'The Lord is with you, mighty warrior'. Gideon replied: 'You say the Lord is with us. I can't see anything he has done for us. Where are all those miracles he is supposed to be able to do?' Have you ever spoken like that? Have you ever heard someone say: 'Don't talk to me about God'? Sounds familiar doesn't it? The Angel didn't exactly answer Gideon's questions. But he assured Gideon of God's presence with him and gave Gideon a special task for the Lord. But again Gideon questioned: 'How can I do anything? (v.15). I am the least in my family.' Like Moses at the burning bush, Gideon hesitated in the face of the task God was giving him to do. His words came however more from humility than from unwillingness. Conscious weakness is a great qualification for Christian service. The Lord replied: 'It doesn't depend on your strength Gideon or your ability. I will be with you. It will be my strength being shown through you. We will do it together'. Has God called you to a special task or any type of service for him? Read v.16 again. Put your name in it. Claim the promise of it and watch what God will do. |
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