GIDEON’S CALL
«Then the Lord said to him, Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die»‘ (Judges 6:23).
“These gracious words were spoken by the same compassionate Saviour who said to the tempted disciples upon the stormy sea, ‘It is I; be not afraid,’—He who appeared to those sorrowing ones in the upper chamber, and spoke the selfsame words addressed to Gideon, ‘Peace be unto you.’ The very same Jesus who walked in humiliation as a Man among the children of men, came to His ancient people, to counsel and direct, to command, to encourage, and reprove them.»—SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 2, p. 1003.
Let us analyze the circumstances of Gideon’s call.
Gideon was alone, away from everyone else. God frequently manifests Himself to His people when they are removed from the hustle and bustle of this world. Silence and solitude are excellent companions for God’s communion. Gideon was working. He was summoned while he was threshing wheat and called to thrash the Midianites. The angels seek people who are not idle and are engaged in honest work, because God cannot use those who indulge in laziness. When we do honest work, we put ourselves in the path of heavenly visitors. Gideon was in a critical situation, hiding from the Midianites and on the verge of being buried alive. The day of greatest difficulty is the perfect time for God to bring relief and salvation. Sometimes, it may appear as though God is not paying attention to us, but if we faithfully carry out our duties, no matter how humble our tasks, He will trust us with greater responsibilities in His own time. When we choose to work with God, He works in our favor and will accomplish great things on our behalf.
Gideon did not have enough faith. He cried out for the victories of the past and blamed-God for the persecution at the hands of the Midianites. God does not limit Himself to using only people of great talent; he chooses those He can use best. Gideon was humble. He showed his humility by recognizing that his family was one of the smallest and weakest (see Judges 6:15). God often calls people who consider themselves small in their own eyes to do great things for Him. Gideon was generous with his offerings. In spite of the fact that Israel was sunk into total poverty and famine, this faithful servant offered his guest a roasted kid and bread made with 22 liters of flour (see Judges 6:19).
Gideon built an altar to God. The closer we are to God, the greater our desire to worship Him and do His will.
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate