Gideon
Gideon was a complex fellow. Sometimes he appeared to be fearless, at other times he needed constant reassurance –perhaps due to some chronic insecurity.
When we first hear of him he seems to be a nobody, but later he destroyed an altar to Baal and then fronted out an angry crowd threatening death. So far, so good. Gideon showed his leadership qualities.
However, before long, even though God had showed His power to Gideon and promised to be with him, Gideon twice laid out a fleece to make sure God was really with him.
Question : If God has spoken once is that enough?
We might need some reassurances in our human relationships. People have a terrible habit of saying things and then letting us down. But God?
We are meant to reflect on God's character, listen to Him, and live the way He has taught us. And God doesn't mess around or dither about. He doesn't change His mind or back down from His word. We are charged with similar behaviour, that we inspire confidence in what we do and promise.
Of course, that doesn't mean that we shouldn't perhaps seek good counsel to make sure that what we hear agrees with His word. The thing is, once we can be sure it is from God, we should act on His word.
To think about:-
When God told Abraham to go – he went!
When God told Noah to build an Ark – he built!
When God told Joshua to cross into the land – he crossed!
When God told Gideon to go to battle – he laid out a fleece....
In Gideon's defence, once he was sure he really went for it! Unfortunately Gideon forgot God and became more concerned about himself and his position in Israel. It lead to his downfall.
So try to follow God's word that he has given each of us, and be a lantern of His love to the world.
Jim Finch
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