Experiencing Peace
And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas, O Lord God! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face. And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die. Judges 6:22,23
Read Judges 6:17-24
God’s Word found entrance into Gideon’s heart. The Lord broke through his unbelief. The Word of God is powerful. Gideon did not ignore or dismiss God’s message, but asked the Lord to stay while he left momentarily to get a gift. He realized that it was the Lord Himself who visited him. When anyone realizes the Lord has had dealings with him or her, they cannot just lay His Word aside. Sometimes various hurdles may have to be overcome, but in the end we must give our attention to what God says. Has this ever happened to you?
The Lord accepted the proposal made by Gideon and waited for his return. When Gideon offered his gift, the Lord consumed the meat and the unleavened cakes with fire. By this revelation, Gideon was instructed in the majesty and power of God. Yes, the Lord remained the same God as He was in the past. As a result of this display of God’s power, Gideon felt his sinfulness and insufficiency before the Angel of the Lord. That should always happen when we see God’s greatness. Those who rely upon the Lord will have small thoughts of themselves while having lofty thoughts of God. You will see yourself as a sinner before the Almighty.
In the verse before us, God, through an angel, gave Gideon the reassuring message that he would not die because he saw the angel. The Lord revealed His grace to Gideon. In response, Gideon built an altar where he declared: Jehovah shalom, the Lord is peace. Yes, Gideon experienced peace with God. Do you know that peace? That peace has been purchased through the blood of the Lord Jesus.
Thought: Why is it so necessary to see our sins?
Psalter 419: 2 (based on Psalm 65) A mighty stream of foul transgression Prevails from day to day; But Thou, O God, in great compassion, Wilt purge my guilt away. Blessed is the man whom Thou has chosen, And brings to Thee, That in Thy courts, in Thee reposing, His dwelling place may be.