The Sign of the Fleece

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The Sign of the Fleece

Scripture: Judges 6:36-40 (ESV)

36 Then Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said, 37 behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said.” 38 And it was so. When he rose early next morning and squeezed the fleece, he wrung enough dew from the fleece to fill a bowl with water. 39 Then Gideon said to God, “Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more. Please let me test just once more with the fleece. Please let it be dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground, let there be dew.” 40 And God did so that night; and it was dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground there was dew.

Devotion:

            The Lord told Gideon he would give him victory over the forces of their enemy, Midian. Instead of taking the Lord at His word, Gideon proposes a test as we read today’s scripture. Gideon then gives the Lord two tests, and God, in His infinite patience, agrees to them. God agrees to the test despite his words to Moses and the people of Israel in Deuteronomy 6:16, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” Not only is Gideon bold enough to ask for permission for one test, but Gideon does it a second time just to be sure.

            So, should 21st-century Christians be setting up tests for God when we believe God has directed us to take some action, but we are not really sure of it? The answer very likely is no. You see, the devil tempted Jesus to jump off the roof of the temple to force the Father into sending angels to save him. (In Matthew 4:7 and parallel passages.) Jesus responded by quoting Deuteronomy 6.16. We should always strive to follow Jesus as closely as possible, avoiding testing the Lord. Jesus taught that obedience to the word of God should become automatic in the believer's life.

            We will still face decisions not directly or indirectly spoken of in God’s revealed word. What is a Christian to do in such circumstances? Prayer is the answer. God always makes time to talk to His followers in prayer. The answer may not be apparent the first time you pray to God. Be persistent. God will give you an answer. God will speak, sometimes in surprising ways. We should always be open to God speaking to us subtly and unexpectedly.

            Let us pray now that God would reveal His plans for us in ways we can understand. Let us not put the Lord to the test but, in faith, wait for Him to reveal His plans to us.

Prayer:

            Lord God Almighty, have patience with us. We are not always quick to believe and obey you. We often put you to the test to see if it is you speaking to us. We fall into this trap, especially when what you ask challenges us to take a step of faith. Lord, help us be courageous men and women and act boldly in ways that show our faithfulness to your leading in our lives. Amen.

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