“And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord because of the Midianites, that the Lord sent a prophet unto the children of Israel…and there came an angel of the Lord.” Judges 6:7,8,11
That which is impossible with man is possible with God. The question is whether God will be sought by those in need, who cry unto Him alone as the only “help in trouble,” Savior, and Deliverer.
It was because of the sin of the children of Israel during the time of the judges, that the Lord “…delivered them into the hand of the Midianites,” who oppressed them, destroying their means of providing food, every year coming to destroy the land, greatly impoverishing them. This circumstance would continue to repeat itself until there would rise up in the hearts of the children of Israel a cry to God for deliverance. The Lord would hear that cry, and first send them a prophet who would make it very clear the reason for which Israel was in such a defeated, and disastrous state. The prophet gave to the people a very clear word: “I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of bondage. I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of ALL that oppressed you, and drave them out from before you, and gave you their land, And I said unto you, ‘I am the Lord your God, fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed My voice.'” (Judges 6:8,9,10) The purpose of delivering Isreal into the hands of the Midianites was to save them, bringing them to a clear, convincing knowledge of what the cause of the problem was, and its certain remedy. They had not obeyed the Lord with regard to fearing, or giving attention, to the gods of the Amorites. God will NOT bless idolatry, and extend His blessing to His people who forsake Him to do so. The people must have truly heard this message, and repented, for then the Lord would send an angel to begin the process of delivereance. However, the work of deliverance would be done in His time, His way, and for His unique glory. What was the manner by which God intervened, and brought about such a monumental, “impossible” deliverance?
It began with the revelation of His presence, and the speaking of His word to an individual. The coming of the angel of God was very unusually simple in that he came and “sat under an oak” tree in Ophrah, that belonged to a man named Joash, whose son was working to hide harvested wheat from the Midianites. There was something about this angel, as he “appeared” unto Gideon. He not only just came and presented himself, but appeared in such a way as to grip the attention of Gideon. It is by the angel’s authoritative words, and in response to his “appearance,” that Gideon would call him, “Lord.” The angel began the conversation with Gideon by simply making a declaration to him: “The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.” (6:12) This was just what Gideon needed to hear, not that he was encouraged by it, but by the contradiction it seemed to be in regard to the present circumstances which were overwhelming. Indeed, he asks the angel, “If the Lord be for us, WHY then is all this befallen us?” ” Where be all His miracles?” He then concludes by saying: “…but now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.” (v.13)
It is into this impossible situation that God interjects His word, authority of His command, by addressing Himself directly to Gideon, gazing intently at him: “Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: Have not I sent thee?” God’s way is God’s calling, the specific calling of an individual, or people, to embrace Him as their unique, and sovereign authority of life, their mission, and their provision.
Dear Father, Rule in us today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.