“The Spirit of the Lord Came Upon Gideon”

And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: - Hebrews 11:32

    “And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets." Hebrews 11:32

    A Sign Sought

    Many pointed to the fact that Gideon asked for a sign from the Lord (Jud. 6:17-23) as an indication of the weakness of his faith. But there is no indication that Gideon’s request was a sign of weakness. Having found grace in the eyes of the Lord, he asked for a sign, not because he doubted, but because he believed! – Not to prove the truth of God’s word, but because he would prove the truth of his grace in the acceptance of his offerings he would bring to God (vs. 17, 18). The proof of this is in the fact that God did what he asked, accepted the sacrifice he offered, and blessed him.

    Idols Destroyed

    Gideon showed his devotion to and faith in the Lord God by tearing down the altar of Baal his father had built (Jud. 6:25-26). Like his father Abraham, Gideon believed God and obeyed his command. This act of devotion and faith may not appear so great in the eyes of those unfamiliar with the culture in which he lived, but his deed was a display of tremendous valor for God. What Gideon did that night he did at the hazard of his life (Jud. 6:30-33).

    Enraged at the overthrow of the altar of their god, the Midianites gathered their forces together and with their allies came up against Israel for war. When we dare invade Satan’s territory, when the church of Christ marches over the gates of hell, we must expect his fury. Gideon tore down his father’s altar and destroyed his father’s gods with the full awareness that he would incur the wrath of both his father and the Midianites. He did it for the glory of God and the good of his people.

    Then, "the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon" (Jud. 6:34). That supplies the key to all that follows. That which Gideon accomplished, he accomplished not by his own might and power, but by the Spirit and power of God. So it is with us. We cannot overcome Satan, or even resist his temptations in our own strength. We cannot grow in grace and faith and love, or even continue in the grace of God by will. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. But we can do nothing of ourselves. It is only as we are strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man that we are prepared for the battles that lie before us.

    Gideon’s Infirmity

    Gideon’s infirmity was that he imagined he needed a large army to defeat the Midianites and deliver Israel (Jud. 6:36-40). Little by little he was taught of God and learned that God is not dependent upon numbers. His work is never accomplished by the arm of the flesh. Gideon repeatedly spread the fleece, seeking signs to confirm God’s word to him (Jud. 6:36-40). And the very strongest believer is very much like him. We learn to walk by faith and not by sight only gradually, by degrees. Yet the Lord our God is patient and long-suffering toward his own. He bears with our infirmities and puts up with our weaknesses, ever remembering that we are dust (Ps. 103:8-14).

    The Lord graciously granted Gideon the signs requested. He corrected his notion that a large army was needed. He took only a small fragment; and they were the ones who were scared to death!—The Lord God declared, "by the three hundred men that lapped will I save you" (Jud. 7:7).

    Then, when Gideon believed the Lord and obeyed his Word. God said, "Arise get thee down unto the host, for I have delivered it into thine hand" (Jud. 7:9). And he did! Thus the Lord used and worked mightily by one who was poor and little in his own eyes (Jud. 6:15), a man who "did as the Lord had said unto him" (Jud. 6:27). Who knows, maybe he will do the same with you. Maybe he will do the same with me. May God be pleased to show us his will, make us know our own utter weakness and inability before him, and make us find our strength in his all-sufficient grace in Christ.