“And it was so, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream, and the interpretation thereof, that he worshipped, and returned into the host of Israel, and said, Arise; for the Lord hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian.” – Judges 7:15
When you think of deliverance in scriptures a few things that might come to mind are Joseph from the depth of a prison house to second in Pharaoh’s house. Moses and the children Israel from the bonds of Egypt. David slaying Goliath, Daniel from the den of lions, and the three Hebrew children from the fire of the furnace. Of course, the greatest of all: Jesus Christ delivering us from the bondage of sin. Deliverance is the act of being rescued or being set free. God’s people are a delivered people.
One such story of deliverance is the story of Gideon. Gideon is rich in lessons of deliverance. In fact, in the story of Gideon (found in Judges chapters 6-8) the word delivered appears no more than ten times. Gideon was called to deliver God’s people from the hand of the oppressive Midianites. In doing so, Gideon was delivered from his own fear and his own doubt. He delivered the people of Israel from their fear, and lack of faith. He delivered them from false god’s and brought freedom to the land. God came to Gideon with a task that was too great for him. So, when the angel appeared to Gideon, he asked for a sign. The angel provided the fire for Gideon's sacrifice as one. It was the first sign that came to Gideon and the beginning of his divine appointment. It was proof that he was called to be apart in this deliverance story. Gideon would later ask for two more signs from God, and the Lord would provide. God works with us when we are humble in his sight. Gideons humility was unwavering even when his faith seemed too. Even in victory, when Gideon was asked to lead the people, he maintained his humility and gave glory to God. Through it all, the people of Israel were delivered from their oppressors, but also delivered from spiritual oppression. God used a common man, with uncommon humility. God called the “least of these,” as he often does; to bring about deliverance through His might.
We all have one oppressor, Satan, he rules in the hearts of men and women. We are born into these chains and bondage. This may be our condition, but it doesn’t have to be. We can be freed from sin. When we have faith, and humility to abase ourselves and call on Jesus Christ; he will save us. He will save us from the sins we committed and the nature of sin that drove us to commit them. This is sanctification, and God has called us to sanctification. Why would you remain in bondage when you can be set free?
