Gideon, Who Lacked the Character of a Judge

This passage deals with the inner struggle the judge Gideon goes through before the battle against the Midianite army, and with his relationship with God. Even though Gideon had already seen God's power through several miracles, he still tests God out of fear and unbelief and asks for his patience. God knows his weakness yet does not abandon him, and makes his heart firm by having him go down into the enemy camp and overhear the enemy's conversation.

The sermon points out that Gideon's behavior was not simply a way of coping with circumstances, but revealed his unchanging character and attitude of faith. He was always inclined to move only once he had certainty and understanding first, and this led in the end to his inability to rely on God completely. God was patient with him and helped him to the end because of love, but unless this mold of character is broken, it is hard for it to lead to true obedience and victory.

Through Gideon, we look back on how far our own faith is bound to an imperfect character. We consider what we must break for the sake of the victory God has prepared, and what change we need in order to boldly hold up a torch in the darkness.