Read Judges 6 Call of Gideon

Then the Lord said to him, Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die. So Gideon built an altar there to the Lord, and called it The- Lord - Is -Peace. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. (Judges 6:23-24)

In my recent visit to my church leader who is bleeding from bladder. He told me how important it was for him to stay calm than be anxious for his treatment and recovery. It was so difficult each time he saw the amount of blood passed out. When things are not as we wanted, we questioned if the Lord is with us, "why does this happened?" That's what Gideon felt and questioned God's presence for things that happened. But is this true? Not so. God never leaves His people alone. That's just Gideon's feelings

The Israelites did evil in the sight of the Lord even while in the Promised Land. This opened them to the oppression of the enemies. In this instance, for seven years under the oppression of the Midianites Judges 6:1-5). Then they cried out to God for help. God heard their cry and the angel of the Lord came to Gideon, commending and commissioning him to rescue Israel. Gideon confessed his inadequacy. He needed the assurance that is God who wants him to do. The Lord revealed Himself giving him the assurance.

First, God speaks peace to Gideon as he is likely taken aback to encounter God. God shows He is his Peace. Gideon built an altar and named it Yahweh-Shalom which means the Lord is peace. Shalom means wholeness.

Second, do not be afraid as the Lord showed him this is His plan and the battle is His.

Third, he will not die. Gideon needs the assurance he will not die. For the Israelites believed that no one could see God and live (Exodus 33:20). Here he has been given a mission and God will see to its accomplishment.

The same for us with what God has us to do; He wants us to know who He is. It's not without problem. However, the problem need not affect the peace within through the relationship we have with God. Gideon got peace when he knew God is with him.

Prayer: Father God, when You called me, You reveal Yourself. I am to pause and see what You are revealing to me who You are. That will be an altar of my dedication to fulfil the calling. Let Your peace be my guiding sign of the decision I made in alignment with Your will.

Previous Day
Next Day