Daily Manna | Thursday, August 8, 2019 | Topic: Conscience 405
Scripture: Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours. Genesis 45:20
Note: Judges 6:16, “And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.” The essence of the sign that Gideon was seeking from the Lord, was simply to ensure that the mission mandate to lead Israel into battle wasn’t a mission that was inspired by false assumption on the mandate of man’s words. Many unsuspecting folks have thus been deceived in such manner, perishing on the strength of man’s empty words and promises.
Sometimes, man’s words may come with flowery colouration, false promises, impressive material resources and seeming advantages that are quite seducing and almost irresistible to many. Most men are impressed with pomp and pageantry, the loud music, the, sophisticated setups, the luxuries of life and the things that come easily without having to work for it. Most people would understandably choose the path of least resistance. It’s the nature and the way of man.
Gideon was convinced that the presence of God was non negotiable. The weight of His presence going with him into battle could not be compared with anything else. He had come to the point in his life where the size of his army and the abundance of material resources counted for nothing, viewed against the favour, the incomparable protection and advantage that God’s presence brings to the table. The encounter that Gideon had with the angel seemed to have brought a supernatural turning point to his life.
The encounter with the angel did more than bring a prophetic word to Gideon. He was sent to prepare Gideon for the huge assignment ahead of him. He didn’t have the luxury of time to take Gideon through all his paces on military strategy, tactics and warfare. That wouldn’t be necessary. What Gideon needed was an unfailing trust and confidence in Yahweh to bring victory to Israel as He had said. The angel that met with Gideon didn’t identify himself to Gideon, but the most important thing was that he was sent from God.
Food for thought: A brief encounter with an angel of the Lord, turned a frustrated doubting man into a firm believer in God.
Declaration: Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believes. Mark 9:23
©Author: Rev Fred Aboe
