Gideon: Wuss from the Winepress or Mighty Warrior?
I’ve enjoyed some recent readings on the story and life of Gideon, from the book of Judges. I’m becoming more and more intrigued with the man. His self-doubt and lack of faith remind me of someone else I know…
Think about this with me for a second:
Lil’ ole’ Gideon, the wuss in the winepress (as I’d like to affectionately term him), is approached by the God of the universe in chapter six of Judges and before we know anything about him, other than he’s the son of Joash, God says, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.”
There’s a lot more to the story, but the funny thing is, the very thing that strikes me about this story, doesn’t even seem to phase Gideon at all. He’s so focused on the stuff he’s heard about God and how he’s abandoned the children of Israel, he doesn’t even realize he’s just been affirmed by God Almighty! God called him a mighty warrior and he didn’t even notice.
He was so focused on what everyone else was saying about God, he couldn’t hear what God himself was saying…again, I know someone else like that.
What if like Gideon, each of us in all of our weaknesses, began to really listen to God as he speaks to us? What armies could we defeat? What mountains could we move? What children could we raise to know God? And what would our wives be like?
I’ve been trying to ask for that kind of faith this week. I’ve been praying for the Armor of God when I wake up in the morning and I feel his breastplate of righteousness protecting me, and although I’m still new to it, I’m learning to wield the sword of his Spirit and how to hold the shield of faith, as Satan attacks me. I’m not great at it, but every day I’m getting stronger and every day, I’m getting closer to getting my heart back.
God, I pray for my brothers in Christ around the world. Raise them up each morning with new mercies and help them to put on that armor. Remind them that in your eyes, though they may be “wuss’s from the winepress”, they are “mighty warriors” in your eyes.
Cut From the Rock 
Nice! I love your blog, dude, in case I haven’t said that yet!
Just bringing some love to the new blog. I hope it serves you well as a “soapbox” to a potentially infinite audience.
Thanks, Jared. Glad we finally got to talk.
Shane, thanks for the love. I’ve needed a little “sopabox” for a while now… As well, I enjoyed your “quote for the day”. That’s a keeper!
Why are you such a stud? Man I sure do spend alot of time wussing out in the kingdom, when God says I can have the victory every day. Thank you for the email and for this post. God bless you brother.
Howdy Derek, I enjoyed your thoughts on Gideon. I’ll be checking back often. I hope everything is going well with you and your family. Come by if you are ever passing through Franklin.
Right on about Dungy. I wish everyone that has that kind of influence and audience would use it to advance the kingdom. One of the lineman from OSU attends our church and he, like Dungy, understands that to him much is given, much is required.
And I can’t even talk to my next door neighbors about Christ….
A wonderful thought from the life of Gideon, a good reminder to all of us who are weary and have lost the faith.