A CLASSIC NO BRAINER

READING: JUDGES 6:11-16

Verse 12: “And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him, and said to him ‘The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor!’”

What a greeting! I can picture Gideon looking all around behind himself then saying “Who me?” The Angel of the Lord obviously saw Gideon as a powerful individual. Verse 15 in this passage reveals Gideon’s opinion of himself as he spoke of weakness as an established family reality. He was convinced he was the total opposite of, and anything but, a powerful person. So there are displayed in verses 12 and 15, two completely opposing views. Which was right? A choice between the Angel of the Lord and Gideon is what most would regard as a classic “no brainer”. That is confirmed later in Chapter 8, verse 22 which says: “Then the men of Israel said to Gideon ‘rule over us; for you have delivered us from the hand of Midian’”. Gideon was indeed a mighty man. As always, God’s perception was right. Gideon just needed to be able to see it the Lord’s way. When Christians feel about themselves like Gideon did about himself, they need to see it the Lord’s way. He says we are more than conquerors and are able to do  all things in Christ. That is just for starters! Exactly as He was for Gideon, for us also God is right - and He will help us to see it His way! That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What helps people to come into agreement with the Lord regarding their identity?

2. What robs people of their identities?