Jesus and the Coward

And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!”

Judges 6:12 (ESV)

Would you be surprised to learn that Jesus appears in this Old Testament story of Judges?

Our devotion today is about one of the judges that I believe has been wrongfully maligned as a coward. If believers have contributed to this disdain, they have judged him sinfully.

You probably remember some of the names of the most notable judges, like Deborah, Gideon, Samson and the last judge, Samuel.

Gideon is the character that we are going to look at today. The key verse at the top of the page is the passage that many people take out of context.

Often, this key verse is misunderstood to be a sarcastic punch in the ribs from the Angel of the Lord (Jesus) to Gideon. But knowing the moral character of our Savior should drive that wicked notion away.

Jesus’ appearance in the story is a reminder that God is patient and kind, as a Father. Not tyrannical or quick to destroy His own children.

Do you recall this scripture?

He won’t break a bruised reed. He won’t quench a smoking flax, until he leads justice to victory.

Matthew 12:20 (WEB)

That means anyone who is spiritually weak or unimpressive in any way, is not beyond His care or help. He won’t cast them aside. And if Jesus won’t cast the Gideon’s of the world aside then He won’t cast you or me aside either.

The nature of the Lord is so far above such small-mindedness. He does not belittle His children. God doesn’t even belittle wicked people. He simply tells the truth about sin and life –

Romans 6:23

God loves us, and when we read the story of Jesus, we see encouragement from Him during His walk on Earth. You never see disdain.

Now, Jesus may have used irony for a moment. That would have been to help Gideon. Gideon is, after all, hiding and afraid. But not for long. And Jesus knew that.

The very presence of Jesus was just what Gideon needed. And that was what Gideon got. And yes! Jesus showed up in the Old Testament!

Gideon was overwhelmed with reverence when he realized that he was in the presence of Jesus. And Gideon’s faith grew.

When Gideon realized that He was the angel of the Lord, he said, “Oh no, Lord God! I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face! “But the Lord said to him, “Peace to you. Don’t be afraid, for you will not die.” So, Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord Is Peace.

Judges 6:23-24 (CSB)

Gideon, the fallible man of the moment, would be the faithful and obedient servant in the end. No spiritual battle can ever be won or lost absent the will of God.

You see, Gideon could do nothing about his fear without God’s help.

Doesn’t that thought give you so much hope?

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)

Jesus! what a Strength in weakness!

Let me hide myself in him;

Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing,

He, my strength, my victory wins. ¹

1. Jesus What a Friend for Sinners
   J. Wilbur Chapman
   Ca 1910
   Public Domain ↩︎