And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.” – Judges 6:12
The Middle East has been a battleground for what seems forever. So many soldiers on every side of conflict have lost their lives. In April 2004, another American young man was killed. He was what many in this nation might call “everybody’s son.” He had been a professional football player with the Arizona Cardinals and was at the top of his game. He had walked away from his multi-million-dollar contract two years earlier to enlist in the United States Army, becoming one of the elites who wear the Ranger patch. On Friday, April 3, 2004, this man of valor, Pat Tillman, 25 miles from the nearest American military base, was killed in Afghanistan.
During the crisis in Midian, the young man Gideon was anything but ready to be part of Israel’s military. In fact, he was hiding from potential involvement. Then, as today’s verse proclaims, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, and called him a “mighty man of valor!” Gideon was less than enthusiastic to enter the conflict, coming up with excuses and reasons why he couldn’t, but the angel told him again, that he would “strike down Midian as one man” (verse 18). Despite continual promises that the Lord would be with him, Gideon demurred, evidencing his reluctance with the “fleece tests.” Finally, in Judges 8:28, Midian was humbled and did not raise its head again. This appearance of the angel of the Lord is believed by most theologians to be another pre-incarnate appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Theologian Warren Wiersbe writes, “When God called him, he was hiding. When God spoke to him, he raised problems instead of trusting promises. One of his favorite words was ‘if.‘” Charles Spurgeon writes, “What a look was that which the Lord gave to Gideon! He looked him out of his discouragements into a holy bravery. If our look to the Lord saves us, what will not His look at us do? “
You can bring your “what ifs” to God. He has the same patience with you as He showed to Gideon. The Lord promises to be with you and will provide the courage you need to pursue what He has planned for you. Your might comes from Him, and He is always faithful. Therefore, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13, NIV).
Today’s Verse: Judges 6:12
And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 Peter 1:13-21
13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
