Judges 6:11–24 Face to Face with God: The Call of Gideon

Judges 6:11–24 Face to Face with God: The Call of Gideon

Introduction

Have you ever seen a man-on-the-street interview where someone doesn’t realize who they’re talking to? A Houston reporter once interviewed a passerby on a local issue—completely unaware he was speaking with NFL star Adrian Peterson. It wasn’t until the end that he asked his name, and the shock on his face was both hilarious and humbling.

That’s not too far from what happens with Gideon. But instead of it being funny, it’s sobering. Because Gideon isn’t just speaking with a famous athlete. He’s standing face to face with the Lord.

1. A Long-Suffering, Merciful, and Faithful God

Why is God here? Because Israel cried out in desperation again (Judges 6:6–7). Their pain pushed them to remember the One they had ignored. But instead of immediate rescue, the Lord first sends a prophet to remind them why they’re in trouble (Judges 6:10).

Still, what does the angel of the LORD say to Gideon? “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor” (Judges 6:12). What a picture of grace. Even in disobedience, the Lord shows up. But how does Gideon respond? He accuses God: “If the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened?” (Judges 6:13). Gideon couldn’t see that it wasn’t God who had forsaken Israel—it was Israel who had forsaken God.

2. The Weakest and the Least

Gideon objects: “How can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest... and I am the least in my father’s house” (Judges 6:15). But God doesn’t flatter him. He says, “I will be with you” (Judges 6:16). God’s calling is never about our resume; it’s about His presence. Paul reminds us of this when he says, “God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27). Gideon, like every faithful believer, becomes strong through weakness—not by boasting in self, but in God (1 Corinthians 1:26–31).

These stories are not about great people doing great things—they’re about a great God using flawed people to display His power (Hebrews 11:32–34). When we say, “I can’t,” God replies, “I can.”

3. A Faith That Delays

Gideon isn’t convinced. He asks for proof. He prepares a meal and makes God wait to show He’s real (Judges 6:17–18). Many of us do the same. We want to follow Jesus, but “first let me do this” (Luke 9:59–62). We delay obedience while we seek signs or stall with excuses. But God is patient.

The angel touches the meal, and fire consumes it. Then He vanishes (Judges 6:21). God is not only the One who sends—He is also the High Priest who offers the sacrifice. This moment foreshadows Christ, our great High Priest, who “entered once for all into the holy places… by means of His own blood” (Hebrews 9:11–12). The altar is a place of fellowship—but it is also a place of holy fear.

4. Peace with God

When Gideon realizes who he’s been speaking with, he panics: “Alas… I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face!” (Judges 6:22). He knows he should die. Isaiah felt the same way when he saw the Lord’s glory: “Woe is me! I am undone!” (Isaiah 6:5). The Lord reassures Gideon: “Peace be to you. Do not fear; you shall not die” (Judges 6:23).

This moment is a gospel echo. How do we, as sinners, stand before a holy God and not die? Because Jesus has made peace for us. “Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1–2). We, too, have seen the face of God—not in judgment, but in mercy.

Reflection

Do we find ourselves acting like Gideon—discouraged, blaming God for circumstances that stem from our own distance from Him? Do we delay obedience while asking God to prove Himself again and again? These questions press on us not just to evaluate our faith, but to remember His faithfulness.

Contemplation

Gideon’s story reminds us of something very simple and very profound: God chooses the weak. He comes near to the fearful and the flawed. He doesn't choose perfect people—He purifies imperfect people and then walks with them. If we’re waiting for more proof, we’re missing the point. God is with us. He’s already proven Himself at the cross.

Conclusion

We’re not building church buildings—we’re building up the church body. Christ is our High Priest. He’s gone before us and will bring us home. The peace we have with God isn’t based on what we do but on what Christ has done. Gideon’s encounter reminds us: the One who sends us is the One who saves us. And when we see Him face to face, we’ll know He was with us the whole time.

Scripture References

  • 1 Corinthians 1:26–31 – God chooses the weak to shame the strong
  • Hebrews 11:32–34 – Gideon remembered as a man of faith
  • Matthew 28:18–20 – Jesus sends His followers and promises to be with them
  • Luke 9:57–62 – Excuses for delaying obedience
  • Leviticus 3:12–17 – Peace offering procedures under the law
  • Hebrews 9:11–12 – Jesus as the true High Priest
  • Isaiah 6:4–5 – Isaiah’s vision of the LORD brings conviction and fear
  • Judges 13:22 – Manoah’s fear after seeing the angel of the LORD
  • Revelation 1:17–18 – John’s vision of the risen Christ
  • Exodus 33:19–20 – No one may see God’s face and live
  • Genesis 32:30 – Jacob names the place Peniel, “face of God”
  • Romans 5:1–2 – Peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ

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