Gideon said to God, “If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you said.” (Judges 6:37)
In Monday’s blog I asked if you have ever considered how strikingly unusual, unique, and even “odd” are the ways God when He calls and commissions His people into His service. Throughout this four-part series of “Odd God” articles, I would like to offer you encouragement by looking at some of these unusual callings. In addition to providing encouragement, I hope to motivate you to do two things: First, to look back and prayerfully consider how God has worked in your life; and second, to look ahead to make sure you do not miss something special God may be doing in your life right now.
Today we will look at the calling of Gideon, which was every bit as odd as the calling of Moses. It can be summed up as the wet fleece on the dry ground and the dry fleece on the wet ground. Read on and be encouraged today!
God was calling Gideon to rescue His people out of the hand of the Midianites. But, like Moses, Gideon was fearful and tried to get out of his calling. God promised Gideon that he would go in the strength of the Lord, but Gideon’s fear caused his faith to flee. So Gideon asked God for a sign to confirm it really was God calling him into this position of leadership. Enter Gideon’s “faith-building” fleece.
After making the request we saw in today’s passage, Gideon got up the next morning, squeezed the fleece, and wrung out enough dew to fill a bowl with water. But even that was not enough confirmation for Gideon, so he asked God for another miraculous sign.
“Do not be angry with me. Let me make just on more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece. This time make the fleece dry and the ground covered with dew.” That night God did so. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew. (Judges 6:39-40)
How odd that God would use a wet fleece on the dry ground and a dry fleece on the wet ground to convince Gideon that it was indeed the Lord calling him into service. Stranger still, God reduced Gideon’s fighting force from 32,000 men to 300 . . . just to make it clear to everyone, including Gideon, that when Gideon went into battle against the Midianites and won the day, that it was God who had secured the victory. For this is the word of the Lord Almighty: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6).
As you look back in your life, can you see any “wet fleeces on dry ground” or “dry fleeces on wet ground” that God used to speak to you in calling you into His service? Has there been a time when you felt utterly unequipped to serve . . . yet it was impossible to deny that that is exactly where God wanted you to serve? Remember, our “Odd God” is in the business of calling His people into His service in unexpected and unprecedented ways. Be on the lookout!This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 