Just and Good

Gideon’s life included many battles against the enemies of Israel. Our life as well, includes many battles however; our battles aren’t necessarily against the enemies of our nation as they are against the enemy of our heart. From the life of Gideon we must not discount his solid faith, by which he did what God asked of him. His story is moving. The fact that he had to convince and enlist his own tribesmen, the Abiezerites, to go into battle with him was no small feat. He had managed to destroy the idols these same men worshiped. They even renamed him “Jerub-baal”. Judges 6:32
Winning the battle against the Midianites with 300 men from the original 32,000 was miraculous. This was an enemy described as “thick as locusts” with “camels as numerous as the grains of sand on the seashore” Judges 7:12. After this remarkable battle, the people suggest that Gideon become their ruler. However, he nixes the distinction and tells the people that God would rule over them. (Judges 8:22-23)
God knew Gideon would prove himself faithful. He also believed Gideon would take a stand where necessary. In his case; against his own father and his tribe. There is no doubt that the stand he took demonstrated that he feared God more and thus did what he had to do. And, when the Israelites wanted him to become their leader as a king for winning over their enemies; he immediately declined their offer because in his heart he knew the real victor of their triumphs was God.
What can we learn from Gideon? Simply this; when we face “calls to battle” God is supreme! God will not forsake us. God will be alongside us. Gideon’s story helps us remember that God uses people like us; regular, natural, every day, willing people to carry out his plans. Psalm 111:7-8 “All he does is just and good, and all his commandments are trustworthy. They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity.”