Compare Gideon's request with other biblical figures seeking signs from God. Setting the Scene • Judges 6 opens in a dark season: Israel oppressed by Midian. • Gideon, threshing wheat in hiding, receives the angelic call. • After a first sign (fire consuming the offering, 6:17-24) Gideon still trembles, so he asks for two more—first a wet fleece, then a dry one. Gideon’s Double Sign “Then Gideon said to God, ‘Do not be angry with me; let me speak one more time. Please allow me one more test with the fleece. This time let it be dry on the fleece and dew on the ground.’ ” (Judges 6:39) • First night: dew on fleece, ground dry (6:37-38). • Second night: fleece dry, ground wet (6:39-40). • God patiently complies, affirming Gideon’s call to defeat Midian. Other Biblical Figures Seeking Signs • Moses – Exodus 4:1-9. Staff to serpent, hand to leprous, water to blood. Moses needed assurance of divine backing before facing Pharaoh. • Abraham’s servant – Genesis 24:12-21. Prayerful fleece-type request that the right woman would offer water to him and the camels. The sign guided him to Rebekah. • Jonathan – 1 Samuel 14:8-12. Sign from God via the Philistines’ response: “If they say ‘Come up,’ the LORD has given them into our hand.” Bold faith paired with a requested indicator. • Hezekiah – 2 Kings 20:8-11; Isaiah 38:7-8. Asked Isaiah for a sign of healing; God turned the shadow back ten steps. • Ahaz – Isaiah 7:10-13. Refused a sign when invited, revealing unbelief. God still provided the sign of Immanuel. • Zechariah – Luke 1:18-20. Asked “How can I be sure?” His sign became temporary muteness until John was born. • Thomas – John 20:24-29. Desired physical proof of resurrection wounds. Jesus accommodated, then blessed those who believe without seeing. Common Threads • God’s gracious condescension: He meets genuine seekers—even in weakness—with confirming signs. • Signs often accompany a covenant promise or pivotal mission: Moses vs. Pharaoh, Gideon vs. Midian, Hezekiah’s extended life, messianic prophecy to Ahaz. • Hearts differ: Gideon and Moses ask from trembling obedience; Ahaz refuses in proud unbelief; Thomas wavers yet worships once convinced. • Signs do not replace faith; they invite it. After the sign, God expects action—Gideon tears down the altar, Moses confronts Pharaoh, Jonathan charges the garrison. Lessons from Gideon beside the Others • Humility matters: “Do not be angry with me…” (Judges 6:39). Gideon’s tone mirrors Moses’ hesitancy yet differs from Ahaz’s defiance. • Double sign underscores God’s patience. When fear persists, the LORD often confirms His word (cf. Isaiah 42:3, “a bruised reed He will not break”). • Signs can be specific and measurable, but God remains sovereign in granting them. We never demand; we request, trusting His wisdom. Living It Out • Scripture now stands as the completed, ultimate revelation (2 Timothy 3:16-17). While God may still answer uniquely, His written Word supplies all the assurance necessary to obey. • Like Gideon, courage grows when we remember Who sends us: “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor” (Judges 6:12). • The greatest sign already given is Christ’s resurrection (Matthew 12:39-40). Believing that sign fuels every step of faithful service today. |
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