Called by God: Gideon

Steven Lake Posted on Posted in Life Well-Lived

“The Lord turned to him and said, ‘Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand.  Am I not sending you?’” Judges 6:14

Background
The Israelites continually did evil in God’s eyes so He handed them over to the Midianites. Their rule was so oppressive that the Israelites hid in caves. They cried out to God who answered through a prophet, “I am the Lord your God; do not worship [other] gods … But you have not listened to me.1

An angel of the Lord [God] appeared to Gideon and said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” Gideon replied: “Why had all this happened to them? Where were the wonders of God? Had God abandoned them?” God didn’t answer; instead, He gave Gideon his calling:

GO  Command In the strength Gideon had
DO  Action Save
TO  Target Israel
SO  Outcome Out of the Midian’s hands
LO  Resources “Am I not sending you?” and “I will be with you.”

Response
Instead of obeying, Gideon chose to argue with God.

  • But Lord … [never a good start to a sentence!]
  • How can I save Israel?
  • I am from the weakest clan and the least in the family

God promised to be with him as he defeated the Midianites. But instead of obeying, Gideon twice asked for a sign and God graciously provided them. Finally, Gideon made an offering to God which the Lord accepted.

Gideon’s reluctance was a continuing problem. These tendencies ended only when “the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon.”2

Gideon led the Israelites to defeat the Midianites,3 but his walk with God was inconsistent. When the Israelites asked him to be king, he turned them down saying, “The Lord will rule over you.”4 But then he asked each Israelite to give him an earring of gold. He made a priestly garment out of the gold which the Israelites later worshipped! Gideon did not finish well.

Meaning

  • God’s calling relates to the needs of this generation
  • The Lord sees you as you are, not as you may see yourself
  • God often selects the weakest and the least to do His work
  • God will be with you every step of the way in fulfilling your calling
  • Obey God’s calling right away and do not test the Lord
  • You calling will only be fulfilled in the power of the Spirit

Summary
God’s calling is not about being the best; it’s about obedience to God. If the Lord is with you, there is nothing you cannot do.

Prayer
Lord, I also feel that I am the weakest and the least among those You could call to this task.  Fill me with Your grace and Your power. Amen

1 Judges 6:10
2 Judges 6:34
3 Judges 7:25
4 Judges 8:23-27

© 2013 Designed to Serve®

About

Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.