Encountering the Supernatural; Preparation and Intention

July 27

Read: Judges 6:19-24

Encountering the Supernatural; Preparation and Intention

“Then Gideon perceived that he was the angel of the LORD. And Gideon said, “Alas, O Lord GOD! For now I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face.” But the LORD said to him, “Peace be to you. Do not fear; you shall not die.” (v.22, 23)

It is an unfortunate truth that in much of the church God’s people have been conditioned to to think God wants to destroy them. We are deeply aware of the ways that we are not perfect, and many have been taught that God’s response to imperfection is destruction of it. As a result, we have no expectation of God revealing himself to us as well as no desire for him to. For many, the only time you meet God is when you die!

God confronts this in Gideon. When Gideon’s eyes are opened and he realizes that he has been speaking with God all along; he cries out “Alas!”. Why is that ? He presumes that he is a goner… that what comes next is death. It is God himself who comforts him: “Peace be to you. Do not fear; you shall not die.” It is not God’s intention to destroy Gideon. It is not God’s intention to destroy YOU. God does not penalize Gideon for his doubt. (cf. v.17) God does not penalize Gideon for his fear, insecurity, or ignorance. God patiently waits for Gideon to come back with a meal he has prepared and then he consumes it with him. It is only then that the lightbulb comes on for Gideon.

We will never seek out nor acknowledge the work of God, his voice, and his supernatural power when we are hung up on how imperfect we are. We will AVOID conversion with the Lord if we think his only goal is to destroy us because of how sinful we have been. Furthermore, we run the risk of arguing with God… disagreeing with him… when he tells us who we truly are and what he is going to do THROUGH US. Did you notice that God was showing up to use Gideon to be the solution to all the problems that Gideon was referencing? God is in the business of EMPOWERING us not destroying us!

It takes some preparation to really SEE and experience the Lord. Gideon had to step away for a moment. He went home. He prepared a meal. He came back to the Angel of the Lord, and then he offered that meal to him. Sometimes to fully recognize it is God who has been speaking to you - you will need to step away, organize some thoughts / make some preparations, and then return ready to share a meal and talk with the Lord. To interact with God is not a “once in a lifetime” occurrence for his children. Not at all! God says to us as he did to Gideon: “Go in this might of yours…I will be with you…” (v.14,16) God’s intention is to open our eyes to him as he is WITH US always. God is with YOU today. God is telling you who you TRULY ARE today. Do you recognize his voice? Is your own fear, doubt, and insecurity stopping you from accepting who you are in Christ? Do not be afraid! Love you guys. - JDP