Day 17 of 90 - Joshua 20 - Judges 7

Day 17 - COMPLETE!

On Day 17, we read Joshua 20-Judges 7. The key verse for me is Judges 6:23.These words were said to Gideon who, after a series of excuses, was clearly afraid. When Judges 6 opens, God sends an angel to Gideon and says two things: “the Lord is with you” + “mighty warrior.” I love that God speaks to who we shall become, even if who we are right now is antithetical to that truth. God also makes it clear: I am with you. And, the more I read the OT, the more I appreciate those words. Because when the Lord is NOT with you, death is the consequence. But in spite of these words, Gideon coughs up more excuses. First he challenges God by saying “if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?” I love his honesty, because most of us would’ve said “thank you” in front of the angel’s face, and “whatever” behind his back. But Gideon asks an important question that I think leads to a common misunderstanding about God.

Many people assume that “God with us” means you will not suffer, you will not cry, and most importantly, that there are no consequences to poor decisions. But the truth is, many are the afflictions of the righteous (Psalm 34:19), and the suffering of this present time is not worthy to be compared to God’s glory (Romans 1:18). Both of these scriptures point to the reality of God’s presence and the reality of suffering. But our pain has purpose. Our suffering is only for a season.

Nevertheless, God strengthens Gideon, answers his questions, and empowers him to save Israel from the Midianites. Still Gideon needs a sign, and in verse 20, God causes fire to flare from the rock, and Gideon gets scared. But the Lord says to him (24) PEACE DO NOT BE AFRAID. YOU ARE NOT GOING TO DIE.

those words hit me so deep. Beyond Gideon’s fear, I believe those words were spoken for us today. For those of us still nervous about dying too soon; and for those who feel like God will leave us mid-stream, hear the word of the Lord: you are not going to die. You will not just die old, you will die finished. God will empower you to accomplish everything he put inside of you. And this is the word of the LORD!