Latter years of Gideon

I find it quite interesting that Gideon messed up the latter half of his life, seemingly going back to his old ways (idols, worldly pleasure, etc). I was reading until I realized this. Do you see Gideon ever referring back to God’s word? All he says about God is  “The Lord will rule over you.” Other than that, you never see him seeking God. It shows that he was in a place of content. He didn’t want to rule, he was good where he was at.

Are we those people? Do we strive for God’s word and His will when we’re going through stuff then stop after the trial is over? Are we content with our lives that we think we don’t need God anymore? It’s interesting that Gideon would go back to his old ways, but not surprising. Paul classifies us having a sinful nature, meaning it’s natural for us to be sinners. The only way we can “stop” (we never really stop since we’re not perfect) is by having Christ with us.

So what is it?

Judges 7 Gideon

It’s an interesting chapter, especially with what’s happening to me right now.

Gideon seems to be a man of much doubt. This is the guy who, like Moses, doesn’t think he’s the right guy for the job (Judges 6:14-15), tests the Lord constantly (6:17, 36-39), and seems to be afraid, even when the Lord tells him to do these thing (6:27, 7:10).

What I find interesting, and the thing that hits so close to home is the fact that God takes away confidence and adds to an already doubtful situation. Gideon probably has in the back of his head, “yo… I’m in the weakest clan and I’m the weakest in my family…we’re screwed,” and yet, the Lord takes his confidence away even more (the men of his army who started at 23,000 and dwindled down to 300 against a camp of Midianites).

*Now we have to see that AFTER Gideon accepts and does these commands, the Lord comes and gives reassurance/encouragement (7:10-15).*

Are we willing to let our confidence go if the Lord commands it? Are we willing to put ourselves in a position where it seems to be too much (that’s in line with God’s will)? As with Moses, the Lord seems to give confirmation after doing His word.

Leap of faith. Even if it don’t make sense.

Prov 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding