How can we apply Gideon's example of obedience in our daily lives today? Setting the Scene in Judges 6:11 “Then the Angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites.” ( Judges 6:11 ) • Gideon is hiding, yet faithfully working. • The LORD meets him in an ordinary, fearful moment. • Obedience begins before the spotlight—right in the middle of daily tasks. Key Moments of Gideon’s Obedience • Listening to God’s word before acting (Judges 6:14–16). • Tearing down the pagan altar even when it invited community backlash (Judges 6:25–27). • Reducing his army at God’s command, trusting divine strategy over human strength (Judges 7:2–7). • Giving credit to the LORD after victory (Judges 7:15). What Gideon Teaches About Obedience 1. Obedience starts with hearing—“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). 2. Obedience risks reputation—like Gideon by night; compare with Peter and John’s bold obedience in Acts 4:19–20. 3. Obedience surrenders control—mirrored in Proverbs 3:5–6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” 4. Obedience magnifies God’s power—“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the LORD (Zechariah 4:6). Verses That Reinforce the Call to Obey • John 14:15 — “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • James 1:22 — “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” • 1 Samuel 15:22 — “To obey is better than sacrifice.” Practical Steps for Daily Obedience • Start where you are: Serve faithfully in small, unseen tasks, just as Gideon threshed wheat in secret. • Seek the Lord’s guidance daily: Regular Scripture reading tunes the heart to hear God’s instructions. • Take the first step even when afraid: Courage is obedience in motion; fear is not a disqualifier. • Remove personal “altars”: Identify and dismantle anything that competes with wholehearted devotion to Christ. • Trust God with the outcome: Like Gideon’s reduced army, embrace situations where only God can gain the glory. • Celebrate and testify: After every obedience, honor God publicly for what He has done. Encouragement for the Journey Gideon’s life shows that God delights to use ordinary people who are willing to say yes. As Philippians 2:13 reminds, “For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure.” Each day offers fresh opportunities to echo Gideon’s obedience—listening, trusting, and moving forward so the LORD alone is exalted. |
    |