God Calls Gideon to Free Israel from the Midianites

This meditation is based on a passage for August 1, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Judges 6:1-24

Reflection and Question: My sons are adults now, but I still remember the chapel talk on Gideon at their Episcopal elementary school. The teacher characterized the Israelites in their strongholds as being like Princess Leah’s Rebellion on the planet Hoth, mobilizing to defend themselves against the Empire in the second Star Wars movie. However, I much prefer Gideon to Luke Skywalker. Gideon is so genuine in his response to the angel, blurting out, basically, “So, God, what have You done for us lately?” and “You have got to be kidding sending me to smite the Midianites!” How do you respond when God calls you?

Prayer: Awesome God, I expect I would respond to Your call just as Gideon does, saying, “But wait, how can I deliver Israel?” I shall trust You will respond as You did to Gideon, “Peace be with you; do not fear.” Thanks. Amen.