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GIDEON (III)
LORD’S DAY, JANUARY 22
Judges 6:12-24

Psalm 84:11

 

“And of his fulness have

we received, and grace for grace.”

 

GIDEON (III)
 
The second lesson we find in God’s dealing with Gideon in relation to his call is the grace of God in the call. Gideon was threshing wheat “in hiding” from the sight of the marauding Midianites. This indicates the grace of God in the provision of a harvest. Gideon, in his hiding place, threshing God’s gracious provision, was visited by the Angel of the LORD. The conversation that the Angel of the LORD had with Gideon clearly presents the grace of God in the call of Gideon.
 
“…if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us?…” (Judg 6:13). Gideon, when greeted by the Angel of the LORD, responded with a complaint. Gideon’s complaint revealed the grace of God in the call of Gideon. In his complaint, Gideon failed to examine himself, his times and the evil that the prophet had rebuked. He also failed to examine the Word of God through which God had clearly spelt out the consequences of forsaking Him. In his assessment, Gideon faulted God claiming, “the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites” (Judg 6:13). Yet the following verse says, “…the LORD looked upon him…” (Judg 6:14). This is grace, marvellous grace of a loving, patient God communing with His child who had questioned God’s presence with them in the absence of His miraculous acts (Judg 6:13).
 
“…Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel?…” (Judg 6:15). Gideon, in response to God’s commissioning, was fully conscious of his weakness, and the apparent disadvantage that his background and position brought. In his own eye, by virtue of his family and birth, he had nothing to offer. He had nothing in himself that he could rely on, nor draw confidence from. Nothing but grace could strengthen him for the task ahead of him. To this came the response that availed to him the grace and strength needed for the work ahead. God said to him, “Surely, I will be with thee” (Judg 6:16). This was grace, sufficient grace for the call bestowed upon him.
 
THOUGHT: “God calling yet! I cannot stay; my heart I yield without delay.”

PRAYER: “Take Thou my heart and make it all Thine own.”

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