Gideon: Following God's CallNäide

Gideon’s Clear View of God

Now I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face. (v. 22)

What does God look like? If we met him, would we even know it? If God called us to action, would we recognize his voice? It’s so easy to get confused, and to doubt God’s call. At some moments, I’m all fired up and full of conviction—and at other times, I wonder if any of that was even real.

Gideon has a whole conversation with the angel of the Lord without recognizing who he’s talking to. He asks for a sign, prepares an offering, and follows instructions; but it’s not until the angel burns up his offering and disappears that Gideon suddenly understands who he’s dealing with. And when Gideon does grasp that he has come face-to-face with a heavenly messenger, he cries out in fear. This is such a common response in the Bible. From the Old Testament prophets to the shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth, those who come face-to-face with glory cry, “Alas!” and must be told, “Fear not.” Then Gideon builds an altar so he won’t forget and calls it, “The LORD Is Peace” (v. 24).

Maybe God holds back from meeting face-to-face with each of us because he knows we would be terrified. But we can trust the reports of those who have seen him: God comes to us in peace. His intentions toward us are good. As we move forward to fulfill his call, how can we remind ourselves of who God is?

As you pray, ask God to give you a clear view of his character.