Gideon was hiding precious wheat from the Midians by threshing wheat near the wine press, instead of barn or else where. To hide items such as wheat means those in power were also causing some form of starvation, or shortage of grains and substance to make bread. Now Gideon understood Moses had delivered his people once from the hands of the Egyptians, and maybe would out of the Midianites. Now we need to know a little history concerning Midianites they were the ones that lifted Joseph out of the pit and then sold him to the ishmaelites after his brothers had threw him into the pit, yet it was in God's plan in order to save Israel and Egypt at the time of a great famine, because Joseph had power he had saved his family, but also was the downfall of the family many years later and were then enslaved to Egypt until Moses rescue them. Now time had passed since the wilderness days and Israel was now under the rule of the Midianites, people not of God but of Baal.

We almost have to understand the history of a people to understand the generational curse on a nation based on events of going against God. However we do not know when or exactly why Israel start turning to Baal, but we know some did not turn to Baal. God look on Gideon and told him he would save his people and Gideon reply was I am not a rich man. He could not buy his people freedom. The Lord said he would be with him and he shall smite the Midianites as one man.

Now to understand part of the will of the Lord is to defeat and destroy the enemy that causing harm to his people. The Lord's will is important here, because we have to understand God allowed Israel waywardness for a time period, only to draw them back. In other words God gives Israel a choice as a nation and then says I will show you my power and strength, and I am going to do it through the least of your brethren in Israel to make my point. When God raises someone up it never in there ability to be great, it is in God's ability for his greatness to be shown. After is not God the potter and we are just a lump of clay that needs forming.

In his will God plans not only to show his greatness but his freedom and grace. Now Gideon was not a dumb man, he did not take everyone word that a message was from God especially when he looked like an ordinary man. Gideon says give me a sign that this is real, what you say. The angel of the Lord send Gideon to prepare a meal that would be used as offering upon a rock. Gideon brough broth in a pot and meat and bread in a basket and set it before the angel. An angel put the meat and bread on a rock and then poured broth over it. Now the broth would of had a degree of fat which might be burnable, but the liquid would of been both water and fat. The point being angel touched the meat, bread and broth and fire came up out of the rock and consumed the offering for the Lord. The Lord spoke to Gideon as Gideon realized he has seen angel of the Lord, but heard the voice of God and God said "Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die. The Gideon built and altar to God and called it Jehovah sends peace(Jehovah shalom.

God wants to reassure his people that he speaks to them, and he calls them, and he is willing to prove it. Yet are we turn willing to thank him and praise him for his proof or sign he gives us as his people. Part of the journey is waiitng on God to use us but first to be on God's team we must believe in him. Gideon already had faith, he lack knowledge who was speaking to him. No doubt with Baal being around/ devil deception in vogue, it was hard to accept just anyone word, even when spoken to the heart.

God is begining to strengthen Gideon with a sign before he give a big task for Gideon to do in tomorrow lesson. Gideon life is but a journey, but he is called up for the task. Are we willing to be called up for the task. Are we willing to do the will of God. Gideon only had to know for certain it was God speaking for him to obey. Moses needed more then God speaking, more then a burning bush and even more then a rod turning into a snake, or his hand into leprosy for him to agree to obey God instruction. When God calls you up to serve will it be yes Lord. I will obey you, will the words I can do all things through Christ/God's word who strengthens me. Gideon not rich but he was welling to take up his cross and follow God because God's had spoken to him directly and showed him and angel.

Dear Heavenly Father, help our response to be yes Lord, but also Lord help us to know it is you that moving and not the enemy trying to deceive. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

Continual Scripture Study: Continue Scripture Study: Acts 9:8-12 KJV
8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.