Re:Verse passage – Judges 6:22-35 (day five) “Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and named it The Lord is Peace. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.” “The Lord said to him, “Peace to you, do not fear; you shall not die.”
It was a moment that shaped Gideon’s life. An intimate and intense encounter with the Lord. Gideon recognizes the sweet presence and mighty power of the Lord (God told him to not be afraid). God speaking to him. To him. Led to obedience and courage from Gideon.
In my Facebook feed these days the “memories” that pop up are mostly from Youth Camps and Mission Trips that I was a part of for so many years. The memories are sweet and are reminders of the same kind of moments- in God’s presence and in awe of His power. These memories shape my hopes and prayers today. I find myself simply asking God to meet with me rather than do anything for me. If He will, courage and obedience are possible. And that’s the only reason- God’s presence- power, peace, grace, joy.
Will you pray first and foremost for an encounter and interaction with the Living God? Day by day? Moment by moment? That will be the source of courage and obedience.
I love that you make a connection between God speaking peace to Gideon and Gideon calling Him “Lord of Peace.” One commentator wrote that Gideon is the only judge in Judges to whom God spoke directly. What a privilege! And to think that it is OUR privilege as well! Thanks for this encouraging word, Scott!