Don’t call me Gideon! If you do, I won’t answer. I have issues with him. Here’s the plus side–Gideon’s one of the judges of ancient Israel. An early one before they acquired kings. Both Gideon and Samson have the most written about their terms of service. But Gideon’s unique–the only judge, recorded in the Bible, who speaks directly with God.

So, what’s wrong with good old Gideon? What’s not to like? Here are my thoughts. Even though he hears directly from the Lord, and God encourages and compliments Gideon for his heroic character, Gideon cowers in unbelief and self-doubt despite all God’s promises.

Let’s check out some background. Israel has some nasty neighbors. The Midianites, who are distant relatives, pillage the land and steal as much of Israel’s food as they can. They’re human locusts. That’s why Gideon is found threshing wheat in a winepress, hoping the enemy will not look into this out-of-season place. And in that hiding place is where God calls Gideon to defeat those sneaky, thieving, so-called and no-good relatives.

Gideon grapples with what the Lord promises him–“‘Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house’. And the Lord said to him, ‘But I will be with you, and you will strike the Midianites as one man'” (Judges 6:15-16). Basically, Gideon can’t imagine how this will work out– this deal with the Lord. He’s refusing to take a risk on the Lord, even with God’s promises of help and protection ringing in his ears. Gideon still begs off, wanting to back out.

Finally, as a last-ditch effort, as if shaking in his boots, Gideon puts those fleece tests before God. You remember them, don’t you? If not, read the latter part of Judges 6. It’s sad to see someone who hears from God and still doesn’t believe, who knows that God has helped his people in the past, yet still lives in fear and trepidation in the present, while biting his fingernails about the future.

Don’t call me Gideon! But if I’m honest, you should. Way too often I read of God’s promises, and yet I walk around fearful of when the next shoe will drop. Wondering if something horrible is just around the bend. That I’ll fall flat on my face as if God couldn’t care less. That my best wishes will dissolve into some nightmare scenario. Like the Lord doesn’t even exist. And if He does, He’s against me, wants to see me stumble, nose-dive, and collapse. Maybe even toss a handful of Kosher salt in my wounds. Oy vey, call me Gideon!

Best not to be too hard on that Bible character. Rather, I myself should learn to trust what the Lord says. To stop testing and fleecing Him. And get in line behind Him, as a follower. Let Jesus take the lead. And for me to trust my Lord that He’s as good as His Word… always.

Okay, I know that I’m no sterling example of anything. I get that. Boy, do I! But lest I ever forget that I’m forgiven, cleansed, made new, and born again because of Jesus and His good promises. Understood, Fischer? I’m trying. I know, very! But God knows that I’m worth the effort. You are also. Do you believe that? Do you?

Lord Jesus, I believe in you and trust you. Thank you for being my Savior and Friend. Amen.