Gideon was called upon by God.
His reaction is similar to many of ours.
Judges (6-8)
Gideon: He was from the weakest clan in his area, and the most insignificant member of that family.
The Midianites are oppressing Israel and God turns to Gideon. Gideon, a man of the weakest clan was chosen by God to save Israel. Why is all this terrible oppression consuming Israel, affecting me? The Lord calls him to save Israel. God called a man who hid from the enemy. Gideon feels as though his clan is not quite qualified, trying to excuse himself from the calling. Gideon looked first for something to try to contradict the calling. The Lord assures him of safety and establishes God's omnipresence, and Gideon next wants confirmation to fight for Israel against the Midianites.
Breakdown of Gideon's response...
- Cowered, trying to avoid any action
- Questioned how could we be oppressed when we have a promise fro You that we are to be in safety? Why is this happening to me?
- Surely I cannot save Israel, I am too weak. Surely I cannot do something about the situation.
- I need confirmation; prove it.
Continuing on, Gideon prepared an offering and the Lord performed a miracle on the rock. Gideon's prayer and questioning was answered right then.
I find myself consumed in a thought of egocentrism. How will this benefit/hurt me? The enemy will slyly attempt to insert an idea of moving past the calling without obeying in an easy manner. Nope.
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13
Gideon first thought of himself, but brought his situation back to God. The One and only, who we carry casual conversations with, discerning, searching for one inconvenient portion. Jesus took it all, and we sing that we give our all to God, but we fail. Be thankful for a merciful God. Gideon hid from what he was soon to be called right back to. God's hand moves where we may never seem to gravitate towards. Even though the man, God called him a Man of Valor! How faithful a God we serve, to continue answering prayers and confirmations of fallen, doubtful sinners. God saw past Gideon's doubt.
Seems ironic. Gideon asked God, where is the fulfillment of the promises?
Gideon searched for the foreseen miracles, when God saw His glory and miracles through Gideon.
It is obvious God can use anyone to fulfill His plan. What does that look like? Well, what does Jesus' life look like? Live how He would. Seems simple, but it is an everyday decision. I focus so much on the plan for my future and forget that I live daily in need of a Savior.
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1-3
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:25
