Hail, Mighty Warrior, Part 1

Gideon is a fascinating character. When he is introduced in the Book of Judges, he is anything but a brave and mighty warrior. As a result of their idolatry and abandoning God, the Hebrew people have been handed over to their enemies, the Midianites, who treat them horribly. Midianites were notorious for stealing crops and livestock, so the Hebrews were hiding in caves and mountain dens, helpless and cowering. From there they cried out to the Lord. First, God sends a prophet with the Word of the Lord to the nation. This is followed by the Angel of the Lord appearing to Gideon, who is also afraid. Yet, the messenger from God addresses Gideon as a mighty warrior, and from his hiding place, God invites Gideon into His story. The story of Gideon is unique; but, embedded in the story is a reminder that God saves people and then invites them into His mission. He doesn't work through the most courageous and powerful; rather, God acts in and through people who are often the last person we would choose. The difference is His presence. When God is with us, well, there is nothing that can't be done.