“Before I formed you in the belly,
I knew you."
Jeremiah 1:5
#eshetchayil #ishchayil #chayil #kingdomorientation #kingdomidentity
Isn't it remarkable how human beings approach God as if He doesn't see and know all? How ironic it is to ask God if He is sure! In Judges 6, in spite of Gideon’s stark fear and strong feelings of inadequacy, the Lord reaffirms that Gideon is indeed the warrior-hero chosen to defeat the Midianites and save Israel.
Though hesitant and doubtful, Gideon is depicted as knowing the identity of his visitor, referring to the angel as Lord, asking for a sign, and even preparing to offer sacrifices. After the sign is granted Gideon has clarity, “I’m doomed, for I have seen God face to face!” God’s amazing grace moved Gideon from worry to worship, and he built an altar and named it exactly what Israel needed to be reminded of, The Lord is Peace. Certainly one can understand Gideon feeling unqualified for this particular task of delivering Israel. However, God had assured Gideon that he would be with him, activating the DNA of the warrior, causing him to fight as if fighting against one man. God had also proven His presence to Gideon by devouring the offering, but for Gideon it simply wasn't enough, revealed by his constant requests and fleecing. Why is it that other voices often appear to drown out God’s voice? “I’m the least of the weakest…” One can only discover their true identity by dwelling in the presence of the One who created them and hearing revealed purpose. Gideon isn't coddled but undergoes divine training in the greatest act of obedience of all time, standing against family tradition to create an entrance for Light. Gideon was to tear down his father’s altar to Baal and erect an altar to YHWH, the Lord his God. His ministry as a canceler of darkness was to begin right at home! Ministry at home is never easy, Jesus said in Matthew 13:57 (NIV), “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.” Gideon’s first mission, to defy the false god of his day amongst familiar people, required great courage. Through his fear he completed his assignment! For those having divine assignments, the demand and pull of God’s Kingdom must be stronger than the dictates of fear in all its forms! When the people found out that Gideon was to blame they called for his death. Gideon’s father Joash, now transformed by Light challenged, if Baal is a God, let him defend himself. Gideon’s with God DNA triggered a behavior, indicative of his true identity, which resulted in a covenant name change fit for a warrior-hero, Jerub-Baal, meaning “let Baal contend against him.” The same Gideon who had been hiding, struggling with insecurity and fear, who had repeatedly requested proof that the Lord was God, and that He would do what He said He would do, having encountered God, was transformed into a deliverer to establish God’s order, build an altar to God, and organize Israel for victory, “…the Spirit of the Lord took possession of Gideon” (34, NRSV) and he sounded the trumpet call to gather the troops. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Cor 5:17KJV). In order to live out your life’s assignment, you must draw from your new DNA! Father, hear your people as we cry, "Holy Spirit take possession of us!"
2 Comments
Leslie
11/3/2016 08:16:38 pm
I read and re-read the passage. Very helpful rhema. High protein low fat. Thank you. Blessings.
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Crystal
11/4/2016 09:46:32 pm
Honored!
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