When Israel was under the suppression of the Midianites for seven years, God sends an angel to choose a judge who will save the Israelites who are calling out to Him in suffering.
The angel of God sits down under the oak in Ophrah that belongs to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon is threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. God talks to him through the angel.
“Go and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. I am sending you.”
Gideon realizes that God has chosen him to be the leader of Israel, but he doesn’t know what to do.
“But God, how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”
“I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites.”
Gideon overcomes his fear and follows God’s will. This is the beginning of the amazing work of defeating the Midianite army of 135,000 soldiers with only 300 warriors.
Gideon was chosen by God as a judge to save Israel out of Midian’s hand. However, he explained to God how weak he was. Gideon was a timid person; he threshed wheat in a winepress in secret to keep it from the Midianites; he carried out God’s command to tear down the altar to Baal, at night rather than in the day time because of fear; and he also asked God multiple times to show him a sign of his victory over the Midianites.
What if Gideon continued refusing to carry out God’s command, using his weakness as his excuse? Gideon is remembered in history as a judge who saved Israel because he turned his heart and followed God’s word, believing that God would help him.
We are definitely weak in the presence of God, and God knows it better than anybody else. However, our God still entrusts us with the mission of the gospel, saying, “I am sending you.”
Let’s overcome fear with faith and rely on God. The predestined victory is waiting for those who give thanks to God for choosing them and depend on Him.