Gideon’s Call – Preaching
Preaching Outline on Judges 6:11-12 – “Then the Angel of the Lord came and sat under the oak that is in Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite; and Gideon his son was threshing wheat in the winepress to save it from the Midianites. Then the Angel of the Lord appeared to him and said: The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor.”
Gideon’s Call: When God Sees Potential in the Midst of Weakness
Introduction to Judges 6:11-12
The text of Judges 6 introduces us to Gideon, a man who was living through a time of deep oppression and fear. The people of Israel were under the domination of the Midianites, who were stealing and destroying their resources. Gideon, in hiding, threshed wheat in a winepress – an unsuitable and hidden place – to protect what little food he had.
In the midst of this scenario of fear and weakness, the Angel of the Lord appears to Gideon and calls him a “mighty man of valor”. What does this greeting mean? How can we learn from this call from God in the midst of weakness? Let’s explore four aspects of God’s call to Gideon and what it means for our lives.
Development
God sees us beyond our circumstances
The first aspect of this encounter is that God sees beyond Gideon’s present situation. Even though he was afraid, threshing wheat in the winepress, God refers to him as a “valiant man”. God doesn’t see him as someone paralyzed by fear, but as someone He will empower to fulfill a great purpose. In Jeremiah 29:11, God says: “I know the thoughts that I think toward you, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you the end that you desire.” Like Gideon, we may feel limited today, but God sees us for the potential he himself places in us.
God is with us even in difficult times
The Angel of the Lord says to Gideon: “The Lord is with you, mighty man of valor.” Despite all the suffering and difficulties the people of Israel were facing, God assures them of his presence. In Isaiah 41:10, God encourages us: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you and help you and uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.” In times of tribulation, God’s presence is what sustains us. The promise of His presence does not mean the absence of challenges, but that He will be by our side in every one of them.
God calls us to act with faith, not fear
Gideon was hiding from the Midianites, but God called him to lead the people and free them from oppression. This call required him to overcome his fear and trust in God. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul says: “For God has not given us a spirit of cowardice, but of power and of love and of moderation.” God’s call invites us to act by faith and not to let fear dictate our steps. Like Gideon, sometimes we feel small or incapable, but God calls us to stand up and move forward, trusting in the strength that comes from Him.
God empowers those he calls
When Gideon received the call, he didn’t feel up to the task. However, God chooses to empower those He calls. In Judges 6:14, God says: “Go in your strength and deliver Israel out of the hand of the Midianites; have I not sent you?” Gideon didn’t have to depend on his own abilities, but on God’s strength. In Philippians 4:13, Paul declares: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Gideon learned that by accepting God’s call, he would receive the strength he needed to win. God also enables us to fulfill the mission he gives us when we trust in him and follow in obedience.
Conclusion of Judges 6:11-12
Gideon’s story reminds us that God sees us for the potential he himself places in us, even when we feel weak or unprepared. Just as the Lord was with Gideon, He is also with us, even in difficult times. God invites us to put aside fear and act in faith, knowing that He enables us to fulfill His purpose. May we accept God’s call on our lives, trusting in His presence, overcoming our fears and believing that He gives us the strength and courage to overcome.
Preaching Outline on Judges 6:11-12 – “Then the Angel of the Lord came and sat under the oak that is in Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite; and Gideon his son was threshing wheat in the winepress to save it from the Midianites. Then the Angel of the Lord appeared to him and said: The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor.”
More Preaching Outlines
- Peace for Gideon – Judges 6:23
- Jesus the great stone of witness – Joshua 24:26-27a
- The men of Succoth – Judges 8:4-7
