Action and Assurance. Judges 6:25-40 When God can use someone to accomplish a designated task, that individual will have enough vision to see the need and rise to the challenge. Stepping beyond what has been called a "comfort zone" is an act of faith and conviction. We recognize what is wrong, and God provides us with an understanding of what is right. Additionally, there's the perspective that we don't need to make a big fuss for everyone to see what we are doing. Quietly begin the work God has assigned in a balanced, clearly outlined way, with a certain awareness of the results. A person who is available to God, with a sense of loyalty to the Lord and a willingness to act with initiative, will soon discover others willing to follow your lead. In any project, a sense of timing—knowing what to do and when—will quickly reveal open doors through which we are meant to proceed.
Before there can be deliverance for God’s people, the cause of the discipline must be addressed. When the Lord’s people have any other god, person, or thing in the first place, that is considered evil in the sight of the Lord. The test of personal faith begins at home. To deal with sin, we need an altar. To have an altar, we must remove any hindrances. Faith is demonstrated not by being fearless but by being obedient. Obedience may cause anger in some people who oppose anything they see as intolerant.
People who become accustomed to sin find it very difficult to deal with it. However, some will confront their own guilt, step up, and be counted after repenting and turning away from that sin. Usually, such individuals are willing to support others whose faith in the Lord has become evident. When a person's reputation is established as someone who trusts God, others will catch fire from your example.
Gideon’s first task was straightforward; the altar of Baal had to be removed! The wooden poles with sinful connotations and that altar to Baal had to be torn down and destroyed. There was no easy way to do it. The trees had to be cut down. Any trace of evil needed to be removed and burned. Baal had to go now! Not tomorrow or some other more convenient day. When the Lord gives us His instruction, we must not wait for our time but act on His. Baal had to go now, regardless of what people might think!
Not everyone, and perhaps no one, will understand or agree with the Lord’s directive, but I must obey Him despite the consequences. We can expect opposition from apathy, but that is no reason to hesitate to carry out God's revealed will. The altar and sacrifice had to be established, and in faith, Gideon did what God commanded. The “second bull” that was born before the Midianites arrived was offered to God. That sacrifice was a bold statement that the Lord is superior over the false gods of men’s making. "Jehovah-Shalom" (the Lord sent peace) resulted from that act of faith.
When Gideon threw down the altar of Baal, the altar to God could be built, and the right sacrifice offered. I must tear down all “Baal” idols in my life if God can use me to lead His people to victory. Anything that claims a prior right over me must go. Gideon did this by night and probably out of fear, but he did it! His initial act of faith may have been done in fear, so he acted at night. God recognized the work of faith, not needing His chosen vessel to be fearless for the work to succeed. The ten men were enough witnesses to meet legal requirements. I may be scared and reluctant to make a big deal out of the needed change – but Gideon’s boldness at night inspired his father to be bold by day.
A sincere, God-led action will receive God’s blessing, and He can make changes at times and places I least expect. God started His work of saving Israel through Gideon quietly, without excitement. God's work isn't based on strange emotions or pent-up enthusiasm but is solid and serious, as all God's work should be. God is sovereign and can use me, and through me, others as well. May I truly be ready and willing!
The people of Ophrah's reaction shows how quickly Baalism's falsehood and deception had convinced the people's minds. They were ready to kill one of their own because of ignorance and willful unbelief. It is remarkable that Gideon’s father could so quickly see that his son's faith was genuine. Gideon’s faith inspired the father to return to God, trust in Him, and stay faithful.
The actions of faith often provoke anger from some individuals. They resist any change to their routines, even if they recognize it as sinful. Apathy and complacency dislike being challenged. Others may step up and follow the example of someone God is using. The Holy Spirit worked through Gideon to accomplish the necessary result for that specific time and place. We are grateful that the Holy Spirit resides in us during these New Testament times and can act on our behalf anytime. We already have all the guidance we need to answer God's call. Our guidance comes from the Word of God - our Guide is the Spirit of God.
Despite victories that God has achieved through vessels He can use, we often still experience fear and unbelief. For some reason, they don't seem to disappear permanently. These two enemies of a believer tend to stay together. The only way to combat them is by applying the opposite combination of facts and faith. The facts are found in the scriptures of truth, and faith acts upon those facts. God acts in sovereignty according to His will. His will is already known and available for us to read. How we apply those facts is our choice. It is a waste of time to dwell on doubts about a matter when we already have the truth clearly defined. God wants us to act in faith instead of trying to force His hand using the "fleece method." A problem isn't solved just by knowing the answer but by acting on what the Guide has already told us to do.
Some biblical principles we need to remember are that God has already provided the Guide, and He is far more important than what we might consider guidance. We have God's word for direction, and "the peace of God" acts as the umpire or referee who governs our actions. The fact that God instills in us the desire to please and serve Him is enough guidance. We must step forward into the uncertain future with confidence in the Guide. Sometimes, the counsel of others will confirm the actions we are to take.
The northern tribes of Israel responded to Gideon's call when the enemies returned to do what they had been doing for seven years. It's a wonderful thing when divine intervention steps into a hopeless situation. God had prepared His man for leadership. The Spirit of the Lord was on him, and the Lord drew those who came to him to join in His mighty work. The Spirit of the Lord was upon this human agent, but fear and doubt still lived in Gideon.
Should I go ahead, or wait? The answer is sometimes unclear because I have many things to handle here. But when the call of the Spirit of God is unmistakable, I have no options. The sovereign plans of God are unbreakable, and He doesn’t create confusion in His servant, who is given only one direction. In faith, it’s time to step into the unknown even though the future is unclear. It would be self-will if I knew all God intends for me to go through to fulfill His purpose. Instead, with confidence in the Guide, we step out with faith that He knows the end and will not hide what His grace has already provided.
Gideon received assurance from God that there would be victory, but his lack of faith stemmed from focusing on himself and his perceived lack of ability. Out of kindness, God answered Gideon’s requests. “Putting out the fleece” has become a common way many still seek guidance from the Lord. However, this is not an act of faith. It violates the law that forbids testing God. Gideon knew he was doing wrong when he prayed that God would not be angry with him. In grace, God sometimes responds to those who put out the fleece because He is compassionate and aware of our weaknesses. An appropriate response to God’s clearly revealed will is to follow Isaiah’s example, who said, “Here am I, send me!”
The problem we face is well known; it’s nothing new. Sin still runs rampant in our time. I will never finish all I should do and say to promote the kingdom of God. But there is a calm confidence that the Lord controls everything, so He can work His will through those who gladly do it. He entrusted the care of their souls to the One who said in a time of fear and turmoil, "Peace, be still."