The next step, according to the Lord's instructions, is to tear down the idols and altars to Baal and Asherah, build an altar to the Lord and offer a sacrifice on it. Gideon obeys, but at a price: the men of his town want to kill him for it, and only his father's quick talking rescues him. We're not told how Gideon reacted to the men's bloodthirst, but the fact that his father does all the talking suggests that Gideon was doing what he had been doing before the angel came to him: hiding in fear of his life.
After this, it's time for the big battle to throw off the yoke of Midian. While the enemy prepares for battle, Gideon, under the influence of the Lord's Spirit, summons Israel to battle them (v.34-35). When everyone is arrayed and set up for the big fight, we see the following exchange between Gideon and the Lord:
* Gideon prefaces his request with the statement "If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised."
* Gideon asks for another sign - the fleece to be wet in the morning while the ground around it is dry.
* The Lord grants his request: the fleece is full of dew while the ground is dry.
* Gideon asks for another variation of the sign: this time reverse it.
* The Lord grants his request: the ground is wet but the fleece is dry.
What's Really Happening Here? As we examine this exchange in the context of Judges 6, we can see several things:
First, Gideon did not put the fleece out to determine God's will. He already knew what God's will was. He had been told by the angel, and he even subtly acknowledged it with the phrase "as you have promised." Gideon knew what God wanted him to do, yet he did the fleece thing anyway.
Second, The fleece was a sign of unbelief. Gideon had already received a miraculous sign from God to prove that He was going to give Gideon victory and deliver Israel. Yet, perhaps because of the response of his own townsmen, Gideon doubted. He had to have another sign. And then yet another. In other words, Gideon knew God's will but didn't believe it. "Putting out a fleece" was not a method of determining God's will, it was an act of faithlessness because Gideon didn't trust that God would do what He had already promised.
Third, the fleece was a request for a miraculous sign. It was not simply a request for events to go a certain way. Gideon wanted something to happen that was contrary to the usual pattern of nature, i.e. a miracle. It was not a request for a "sign" of the type "if my dog barks within the next half hour, then I'll know the answer." Gideon's request would be more along the lines of "if my duck meows, then I'll know the answer."
What Do We Learn From This? The first thing we learn is that "putting out a fleece" is not a biblical method of discerning God's will. Gideon already knew God's will, he was merely second-guessing it. The second thing we learn is that, if you are determined to "put out a fleece" it must be a request for a miraculous sign. "If things work out so I can go to Africa, then I'll know God wants me to" is not a biblical fleece. The third and most important thing we learn, though, is that "putting out a fleece" is an act of doubt that indicates a serious lack of faith. As with Gideon, the Lord may honor the request ("If a Rwanda Airlines jumbo jet lands in my front yard and the pilot tells me to hop aboard..."), but He won't be happy that you asked. And you will have to face the fact that your faith isn't even the size of a mustard seed if you feel you have to do this.
Conclusion: God's will is a hot topic among Christians, and theories abound. But this is one theory that can and should go into File 13, because it is not a biblical method. My own view, for what it's worth, is that God's will is actually pretty simple to discern: act like a Christian! In non-moral matters such as career, where to live, what kind of car to drive and such, follow your heart with your eyes on the Lord so you provide all things honest before all. From there, it doesn't really matter. For full details, the best book ever written on the subject is Garry Friesen, Decision Making and the Will of God. It is one of the most life-changing books you'll ever read, and you don't need a fleece to tell you it's right on the mark!
In Christ, Dave Washburn http://www.nyx.net/~dwashbur/fleece.html
Another great article -Is it acceptable to "lay out a fleece" before God? http://www.gotquestions.org/prayer-fleece.html
Online Class: Don't forget to post your opinion on Gideon's fleece // faith or fear?
7 comments:
I can relate to Gideon and believe he was afraid to step out in Faith. Many of us are of that mind set "seeing is believing". In past trials in my own life I have tried to make deals with God...if you do this for me then I will do that for you. Not knowing God or having Him in my life caused many missed opportunities. Studying God's Word has taught me God is good and only wants the best for us. It is up to us to know He is with us always and to fear not.
What does it say of your faith when you have to test God or ask Him to prove Himself? God should not have to prove anything to us—for we have all had proof of His glory and power not only in our own lives, but those of people around us. In fact proof of God’s power is all around us. Further, I believe if we are turning to God in prayer, devotion to his word and practicing obedient living; we will know through the direction of the Holy Spirit what is of or from God. If doubt or question exists about a life direction is it truly a question about whether it is from God, or is it more that you are feeling inadequate to take on the task for God? Prayer asking for God’s guidance and strength to decipher and act would serve us better in these situations.
Well I have a recent situation that happened in my life that relates to this. God seemed to be speaking to me about a certain situation and prayer of mine. The instructions I received, or thought I was receiving was to do something very drastic. Instead of jumping the gun and doing what it was I was hearing I sought out counsel from believers (not a fleece, but what's the difference!?). They told me God would not support the decision I was going to make and where in the bible to go for answers.
So I think that "putting out the fleece" is just a way of confirming God's plan. I think the enemy can sometimes use God's Word to help us make the WRONG decisions. It's helpful to have great Christian friends who are more knowledgeable about the bible to point us in the right direction. :)
"Putting out a fleece is our way of testing God. We may and should know when he is calling us to do something that may be out of our comfort zone, so we seek other ways to hear what he is saying. If we check our Bible reading and prayer time, we don't need the fleece, because the answer will be there in front of us and that's where we need to step up to the plate and go for it....God's in control and will not lead us astray. Praise His Holy Name!
Gideon needed just a little more of God's proof before he was really ready to step out and believe what God had told him.
I think Gideon had Faith. He just needed a little more proof that this was what God wanted him to do. I know in my life if I think God is leading me in a ceratin direction, I often ask for more guidance from God or I may even talk to christain friends to make sure this is really Gods will.
I could relate to Gideon, I often feel and believe I know what God is telling me and where he is leading me but am afraid to take that leap. I believe I have Faith but often need more guidence, that may be through more prayer, council from my christian friends or scripture. I think that "putting out a fleece" is another way to confirm what I am hearing is God and not my human wants or needs. I think it is ok to get confirmation on what you are hearing unless you are sure you know where you are being led.
"Postponing obedience, is disobedience"..If we are close enough to God, in our walk, we will know when we hear His voice..."My sheep know my voice"..hence, if we have to keep asking and seeking , for proof, we are not walking by faith.
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