Judges 6 – Confidence Increased in the Midst of Fear

Reverend Leo H. McCrary II

Our bible study of Judges continues into Judges 6. When you’re afraid to move in faith, God will help to strengthen you brick by brick.

Introduction

As we studied Judges 4, we focused on growing in courage.  In the last part of that study, I said that the more one leans on the Lord, the more God will strengthen.  In our study of Judges 6, we will see that God truly is the God who strengthens us, building up our confidence block by block through the story of Gideon.

Judges 6:1-10 – The Cycle of Sin Continues

As we have seen thus far in the book of Judges, Judges 6:1-10 opens by telling us that the children of Israel once again did evil in the sight of God.  

This time around, God delivered the children of Israel into the hands of Midian for seven years.  Midian was a distant cousin of Israel, as Midian came through Abraham’s second wife, Keturah (Gen. 25:1-4).  The land of Midian was the land that Moses fled to after killing an Egyptian, and took Zipporah, a daughter of Jethro (Reuel), to be his wife (Ex. 2:11-25).

On their journey to the Promised Land, Midian, through Jethro, were essentially allies of Israel.  However, Numbers 25 shows where Midian aligned themselves with Moab and then worked against Israel.  In Numbers 31, Israel took vengeance against Midian for aligning with Moab and hindering them on their journey.

When the children of Israel crossed the Jordan, the Midianites were left behind on the other side of the Jordan (to the east).  However, their emergence here shows that the former ally of Israel crossed the Jordan, got their vengeance, and oppressed Israel for seven years.  This vengeance was permitted by God because another generation of Israel had chosen to do evil and needed to learn to turn to God.

We are told in Judges 6:7 that the children of Israel did cry out to God because of the Midianites.  Through an unnamed prophet, God rebuked this generation of Israel by reminding them of all He had done for their forefathers, and for them.  Yet, the sin of this generation was worshiping the gods of the Amorites (Judg. 6:10).

Judges 6:11-14 – The Call of Gideon

Our bible study truly begins at Judges 6:11.  Once again, we will see where the Angel of the Lord makes an appearance, this time coming to Gideon.  We are told that Gideon was in a winepress threshing wheat in Ophrah, hiding from the Midianites. Ophrah was a city that was in the allotment of land of Manasseh, the house of Joseph, in which Gideon was in the tribe of (Judg. 6:15).

In Judges 6:12, the Angel of the Lord greeted Gideon, saying, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!”

This greeting is a bit on the nose, witty, sarcastic, and with a smile, as Gideon was a man hiding while he did his work.  A man of valor (bravery/courage) would not be hiding in fear of the Midianites. 

Anger towards God

In Judges 6:13, we will see that Gideon returned the wit and sarcasm with wit and sarcasm of his own, though his wit is dry and humorless.  Gideon responded, “O my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us?”  Now, God was with them, and the chastisement of the Midianite oppression was because of Israel’s sin, and God’s desire for the people to turn to Him.

Gideon’s response continued with him asking, “Where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’”  This statement acknowledges the fact that this generation had received teaching of Israel’s history.  Now, I believe this was likely the case for the generations of Othniel, Ehud, and Deborah, but this is the first acknowledgement of a generation having been taught.  This also makes their turning to other gods even more of a betrayal.

Gideon’s response continued, with him saying, “The Lord has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.”  Now, Gideon believed this to be true because of the circumstance of which he and the rest of Israel lived.  

Many of us who follow Christ often feel like God has forgotten us when we feel we’re lacking in our blessings or struggling in our trials and tribulations. Many believe that because they are a child of God, life should be easy, but Christ makes it clear that those who follow Him will be despised and have tribulation (John 15:18; 16:33).  Yet, the Lord permits tribulation as our tribulations help to increase faith, and God chastens us to also help us grow.

If you have a desire to walk with Christ, understand that doesn’t mean life is going to be easy and that you will become rich in earthly riches.  If you have a desire to walk with Christ, understand that the trials and tribulations will likely be greater.  The reason why this is the case is because the child of God paints themselves as an enemy of Satan and his army.  Moreover, we also recognize the weight of patience, rather than trying for quick fixes.

Gideon, like most of us, was tired of his trials and tribulations.  Like most of us, Gideon wished the hardships and struggles would simply disappear.  IF Gideon was of faith, he had very little faith in the Lord.  If there was any hope in his heart, I believe Gideon was beginning to run empty, which makes it incredibly interesting that God had chosen him.  

God has a way of choosing some interesting people to lead, doesn’t He?  Keep in mind, the Lord had chosen Barak to lead the army against Jabin, and Barak was a coward who was filled with doubt.  God can, and will, use anybody–including you!

Gideon’s commission

Judges 6:14 is where we will see God commission Gideon.  God said to him, “Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites.”

Now, at first glance, one might think the Lord said this in a witty manner, as it could seem that God and Gideon were trading barbs.  However, God’s tone, if it wasn’t already serious, had turned serious.  Notice that the Lord added to that statement, “Have I not sent you?” 

When you choose to walk with the Lord, don’t think that God desires for you to sit around and do nothing!  As God desired to use Gideon to free Israel from Midian, God desires to use you to help those who remain bound in the chains of sin.  Christ came to free us from the chains of sin, and now we can turn to those who didn’t receive Him and ask what they are waiting on!

Judges 6:15 – Hesitating to Answer God’s Call

Now, let’s pay attention to Gideon’s response, as his response is one of the most common responses shared among all of God’s children.

In Judges 6:15, Gideon responded, “O my Lord, how can I save Israel?  Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.”  Gideon didn’t believe that he was worthy (fit/qualified) to be used by God.  One doubting they are capable or worthy to be used by God is an incredibly common belief among all of God’s children.  

Gideon’s excuse, the excuses that many of us make at the call of God, raises a couple of questions.  First:  Who is worthy/qualified to serve?  Second:  What qualifies one to serve the Lord?   

As I shared in the study, “The Purpose of Our Spiritual Gifts”, God blesses all His children with gifts so that we all may uplift one another (1 Cor. 12:4-11).  Paul explained to the Corinthians that some have been blessed with the gift of preaching, while others have been blessed with the gift of teaching.  Some have been blessed with the gift of singing, while others have been blessed with a giving heart.

All of God’s children are to minister His grace and salvation to those around them.  None of us should ever think that ministering is left for someone else to do, as ministry is a blessing from God.  Yet, many think that ministry is just for the pastors and preachers of the gospel, believing themselves not capable or worthy to minister.

If you feel God hasn’t called on you or that you aren’t worthy for Him to call on, I’d ask:  Why do you feel that way?  Over the years, I’ve had many tell me that they can’t do what I do because of the idea that one has to be perfect to be used by God.  However, I would ask the question, who, aside from Christ, did God call who was without sin?  

Moses killed a man, but God chose him to stand before Pharaoh to free His people.  Aaron built a calf of gold, yet God still ordained him to serve and be the high priest.  David, the man after God’s own heart, was a teenage boy when he was anointed king, but even he had a great sin.  Paul persecuted the church, yet he was trained and ministered to by Christ.

The “perfect man” is one that God can’t use because the “perfect man” won’t turn to the Lord.  The rich young ruler believed himself to be perfect, having kept all of the law.  Yet, he turned away from Christ, after being told to give to the poor–He couldn’t keep the command to love his neighbor.  

The “perfect person” for God to use is the one who can recognize their imperfection and their need for God.  God takes our imperfections and uses them to be a testimony we can share with others.  

For example, Paul used his sin of persecuting the church to show others just how merciful and gracious the Lord is (Gal. 1:13-17).  David testified that when he was in the valley of the shadow of death, God was with him, and he feared no evil.  Moreover, David testified that when he lost the joy of His salvation and prayed for God to restore it, God blessed him greatly.

It is understandable for us not to believe we aren’t capable or worthy to be used.  It is even understandable if we feel we are not even ready to be used.  However, the fact that you are making such a statement actually shows God that you are ready!  You see, that statement is a confession, and God will use that confession to turn you into a blessing to someone else.

Judges 6:16-24 – Assured by the Lord

Now, in my study of Judges 4, the focus was on the courage of Deborah and the cowardice of Barak.  Barak had the courage of Deborah to lean, but Gideon does not have a Deborah to lean on for courage.  Now, something I taught in that study is that God will strengthen your courage when you may be hesitant and reluctant.  The story of Gideon helps to show how God will strengthen your courage so that it may reach the level of a Deborah.

The first step God takes to strengthen you is through His assurance.  In Judges 6:16, God assured Gideon, promising, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man.”  There is no hesitance on God’s part, just certainty.

This assurance to Gideon reminds me of what God said to him when He assured him before the conquest of Canaan.  In Joshua 1:5, God assured, promising, “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.  I will not leave you nor forsake you.”

To today’s Christians, modern-day believers, Jesus said, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age (Matt. 28:20).”  To us, we have received the Holy Spirit of the Lord who has made a dwelling place with us.  To us, Christ has assured that whatever we ask and desire, the Lord will do (John 15:8).

Now, Gideon, in Judges 6:17-21, did something that many believers still desire to do, even though God has assured us that He will be with us.  Gideon asked God for a sign, and the Angel of the Lord showed him a sign, burning the offering that Gideon had made.  This was another step of assurance that God took to assure Gideon.

I’m not one that would preach a message of asking God to give us a sign.  However, God does assure, and then He will reassure us, especially in those times when we need to move in faith.  However, as we will see later in this chapter, there will be times when God won’t give you the sign you wish for, as faith is will be all that one needs.

So, no matter the circumstance, hesitance must always be met with faithfulness.  When God instructs us to move, we ought to answer by moving with trust in Him.  Always keep in mind that God is not going to direct you in the direction of failure.  God’s desire is always to bless.

In Judges 6:23, the Lord said to Gideon, “Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die.”  This sounds a lot like what Christ said in John 14:27, when He said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Judges 6:25-37 – Gideon’s First Steps

Now, to help build up your strength, don’t think that God will let you sit on the bench.  No, to build up your strength, God will give you an assignment so that He may show you that you are capable.

For his first assignment, God instructed Gideon to tear down his father’s altar of Baal, and the wooden image that was beside it, likely an Asherah, and build an altar to Him.  After building the altar, Gideon was to then offer up a burnt offering, which was the offering of one’s devotion to God.

As simple of an assignment as this sounds, this was a frightening assignment for Gideon.  Let’s keep in mind, he was in the midst of a people who had forsook God for the Baals and Asherahs, his dad was one of them!  Also keep in mind just how serious people take their religious  beliefs.  As serious as I take my faith, someone else takes their religion just as serious.

Judges 6:27 tells us that Gideon took ten men from among his servants, and he did as God had instructed; however, he didn’t move immediately, during the day, he waited until the cover of night.  Let’s be clear, this was selective obedience that Gideon had moved in that was brought on by his fear of what his father’s household, and the men of the city would do to him.

Now, some of you may think to yourself, ‘He feared what the people would do to him if they saw him, so he did what was logical.’  However, the problem in moving out of such fear is that selective obedience is not obedience.  Gideon had taken it upon himself to gather ten men when God had not instructed him to do so.  Gideon delayed, and in doing so, he showed a lack of trust in God.  

Keep in mind, the Angel of the Lord had assured Gideon, saying, “You will not die.”  So, ask yourself, with God’s assurance, should he still have delayed to do what God had instructed him to do, even though the people would’ve seen him?  

On that thought, what if the people seeing Gideon tear down the idols was part of God’s plan?  I would tell you I believe that was part of God’s plan.  In fact, when we take a look at Judges 6:28-30, Gideon was still accused of having torn down the idols and building the altar of God.  So, even though he tried to hide his actions, I would say that God still it to light as He desired for those actions to be known.

Testifying to God’s desire for Gideon to have been seen tearing down the idols is the affect we see it have on Gideon’s father in Judges 6:31-32.  Joash, Gideon’s dad called out the people’s idolatry for all of them to hear, putting them to shame.  When God chastises, it can put us to shame as it points out the blatant disobedience so that one can clearly see their wrong.

I believe Gideon’s dad may have been too afraid to do something about  those altars/idols, but his son’s actions had put into a position to make a choice.  I believe there were many quiet believers of God who were too afraid to do or  say something, but seeing Gideon’s actions would have given them hope.  That hope would still come, but God was making it happen in a different manner.

So, here’s a learning point for us from Gideon’s first assignment.  Delaying to move because he feared the people, meant that Gideon was giving his fear of the people more ‘power’ than the protective power of God.  Many of us often will give our fear and anxiety more power than the Lord, and we must learn to cut back from doing that.  God’s power far exceeds all things, and all people, especially all that we fear.

Judges 6:36-40 – Don’t Doubt God Is With You

Now, Gideon had to learn this lesson for himself, and we will see that God rebuked him and his reluctance to move.

In Judges 6:36-37, Gideon still questioned whether or not God would save Israel through him, and he asked for God to show him another sign.  However, this time around, Judges 6:38 shows us that God did not respond.  You see, while there will be times that God will reassure, there will be other times when you will simply need to move by faith.  

In fact, I have found that more often than not, we must simply move and not be so caught up in looking for signs.  Many of us have missed out on our blessing because we’re too busy looking for God’s reassurance through a sign.

In Gideon’s case, God was still training and strengthening him to be confident in Him.  In our case, through trials, tribulations, afflictions, and infirmities, God strengthens us step by step.  Through His rebuke and chastening, God corrects us so that we may flourish and grow unto righteousness.  

We must stop doubting God.  In our doubt, let us look to God, trust in Him, and He will strengthen us.  God will not put you in a position to fail when He has commissioned you to move.  Again, God will put you in a position to succeed and will help to strengthen you so that you can and will succeed.