Yesterday in the lesson, we skimmed over Judges 6:36-40, it is the passage concerning Gideon making some odd requests of God. Here are some additional notes for you to consider regarding Gideon’s dewy conditions.
Judges 6:36-40 – “Then Gideon said to God, “If You are going to save Israel through me, as You have spoken, 37 behold, I am putting a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece only, and it is dry on all the ground, then I will know that You will save Israel through me, as You have spoken.” 38 And it was so. When he got up early the next morning and wrung out the fleece, he wrung the dew from the fleece, a bowl full of water. 39 Then Gideon said to God, “Do not let Your anger burn against me, so that I may speak only one [more] time; please let me put [You] to the test only one [more] time with the fleece: let it now be dry only on the fleece, and let there be dew on all the ground.” 40 And God did so that night; for it was dry only on the fleece, and dew was on all the ground.”
At first glance this appears to be a test regarding the faithfulness and ability of God. Yet throughout the text we have observed that Gideon is timid regarding his own character and qualities. God is aware of Gideon’s reluctance, and this is the best part…God indulges Gideon’s circumstantial requests. Even though Gideon’s faith is lacking, God still concedes and appeases. Isn’t this a marvelous thought, that when we are struggling, God continues to work with our inadequacies and shortcomings. I should be quick to point out that Gideon is not making God jump through proverbial hoops. That would be testing God, and yet we know that we should not test God. “Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written: ‘YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.'”” – Matthew 4:7 NASB 2020.
Jesus is referencing Deuteronomy 6:16.
Deuteronomy 6:13-16 “You shall fear only the LORD your God; and you shall worship Him and swear by His name. 14 “You shall not follow other gods, any of the gods of the peoples who surround you, 15 for the LORD your God who is in the midst of you is a jealous God; so follow Him, or else the anger of the LORD your God will be kindled against you, and He will wipe you off the face of the earth. 16 “You shall not put the LORD your God to the test, as you tested Him at Massah.”
What is the difference between Gideon and testing of God in the wilderness wanderings? The idea conveyed here is that they were wanting God to behave outside of His will for the moment. God has a definitive plan. He will accomplish that plan. In the case of Jesus, Satan is trying to expedite and foil that plan, same as the Israelites in the wilderness as God would have to wipe them out of existence. Gideon on the other hand is merely requesting that God demonstrate that he is the right person for the task at hand. “If You are going to save Israel through me, as You have spoken […]”
God often operates in this regard. He did this with Abraham as he bartered over Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:22-33). And with Moses as God was calling him in the desert (Exodus 4:1-8). Both instances could be perceived as testing God. Will you really destroy these cities? Will you really use me? Yet this is God demonstrating that His will and plan will succeed and He merely partnering with these individuals in the moment. We should also note that Abraham’s requests did not prevail, and Moses’ did.
God wanted to use Gideon and Moses, but these two individuals needed reassurance that this is, in fact, God’s plan. Abraham needed a different type of reassurance; God’s plan will be realized even if he didn’t fully understand the action.
We can be sure of two things based on these passages. First, we must realize that God has already partnered with and chosen you to be a part of this plan.
“And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain– 2 for He says, “AT A FAVORABLE TIME I LISTENED TO YOU, AND ON A DAY OF SALVATION I HELPED YOU.” Behold, now is “A FAVORABLE TIME,” behold, now is “A DAY OF SALVATION”– 3 giving no reason for taking offense in anything, so that the ministry will not be discredited.” (2 Corinthians 6:1-3).
Secondly, we must be aware that God’s plan will be accomplished whether we participate or not. Therefore, what we should do is to ask God how He is going to use us in this plan. “But [Moses] said, “Please, Lord, now send the message by whomever You will.” (Exodus 4:13). This can be a terrifying thought, and I know that I often feel like Gideon or Moses, but I know that I am part of the plan so my response should be to go wherever God needs me. In other words, I Trust You, Use me.