Judges 6:1-24
To fleece or not to fleece--that's the question on my mind after reading Judges 6:36-40. The time has come for Israel to go to battle against the Midianites and Amalekites. Gideon has rallied the troops, but he's still a little uncertain and fearful. So, using a fleece of wool, he asks God for two very specific signs to let him know if God is serious about using him to rescue Israel. Both times, God responds just as Gideon requested.
Now here's the thing, God is God. He's in control and He certainly doesn't answer to us. Yet, He answers Gideon's specific requests for signs. Now I'm a little torn on this one because it doesn't seem right to me to put a fleece before God. But then again, maybe it's not the request itself that's problematic, but whether it's a demand on our part or a sincere request because we need guidance.
So let's hear it. What are your thoughts on "to fleece or not to fleece" and why? Tami W.
I too am a little torn on the subject matter. My tendencies are “not to ask for signs”. My concern is that I would either rationalize the outcome of my request or not recognize the sign given.
I wish I could use fleeces more often. It would make decisions easier. But there is also the risk of attributing to God what is really just chance. I have used fleeces in the past and gotten answers I felt were from the Lord, but other times I think I may have been attributing to God what I really wanted or used it as a way to avoid what I was suppose to do.
So I do think we can use fleeces, but sparingly and carefully.
To me this speaks of almost asking yourself "Lord, is this what you want me to do?" As the old adage goes, "The Lord works in mysterious ways". Sometimes, I think God knows we need a little nudge to get us to go in the right direction. In the end, we might not always get a sign that is so dramatic as what Gideon received, but we get something that let's us know that this is indeed what the Lord wishes us to do.
I'm thankful for the Holy Spirit's guidance in my life. I do remember laying a fleece out a few times when I was very unsure about God's will in some situations. I think as we grow in the Lord, we begin to hear His still small voice, and become more sure of His direction, and not so dependant on a fleece. I remember in the old testament reading about when they cast lots, but I don't see as much of that in the NT.
i think that we have NO place demanding anything from God but its important and necessary to ask for guidance because being humans, we will always make mistakes,misunderstand or need encouragement to know its his voice/will
Funny thing about Gideon – he had clear direction from God on what to do and still laid out his fleece. Then when he received clear confirmation from God, he laid it out again. There are times when we know clearly what God wants us to do . In those times we do not need to ask for direction; it has been given to us. We need to act. God was/is gracious however. He didn’t pounce all over Gideon for his lack of faith.
I think though, that many times, we want direction for the areas that are not clear. Should I do this or should I do that? Which does God want me to do? So we lay out our own version of Gideon’s fleece asking for clear direction. But is God not more concerned with WHO we are than with WHAT we do? Is God not more interested in how we do marriage than in who we marry? Is He not more interested in how we do our job than what job we do? I am not opposed to asking for wisdom and guidance. In fact, God’s word tells us to ask for wisdom. But if you are like me, many times you do not receive a clear “do this” or “don’t do that” kind of instruction from God. We pray; we trust; we act. Oftentimes without crystal clear direction and guidance.
Is that a fellowship offering that Gideon presents to God? Certainly, Gideon is trying to present his doubts about himself to God in a respectful manner. And when he has God's ear, he asks for another test, just as Lott "pushes" his luck when trying to turn away God's vow to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah.
I think the writer goes to some lengths to show that Gideon (and Lot) is sincere is his questioning, and the way the Scripture is presented, God is making sure that his chosen one here is confident in himself through his confidence in God.
Something that Dr. Kroll said on the broadcast today stood out to me: "Faith is not seeing evidence, Hebrews 1 say's, it's trusting God. And faith leads to evidence...evidence doesn't lead to faith."
I have found this to be so true in my own personal experience...and the evidence is internal---the Holy Spirit confirms the Truth of God's Word in your heart (Romans 10:17 comes to mind here...) and you feel a peace that you've never felt before. External evidence, signs, miracles, fleeces...they will never be enough for the mind, but the peace that transcends all understanding...it will sooth your soul and your mind will have no choice but to believe.
I have to admit that my own (long-ago) attempts at "fleecing,"
Still did not produce any Sure Guidance...When "requesting wool," would then question the source
(as in maybe it's the Bad Guy with a deliberate Mis-lead??), just like Gideon did -- so would want to ask AGAIN
-- And that's No Way to Walk in Faith...
However, what HAS worked best for me, is what a pastor's widow, very wise & godly, once told me ...
"If you're in doubt -- Don't."
She proceeded to explain...
Although Inviting Christ In is all you need for Salvation..
that prayer alone is not sufficient to always expect His leading.
Putting God First, Living to Please Him in Every way, and Having the Holy Spirit Living Inside you --
THOSE are pre-requisites for the Right to request Guidance...
Then His Spirit will give you Peace toward the right steps to take!
But any directions not best for you, just will not produce that inner peace.
I've found THAT a lot more dependable than any "fleece."
I do not consider myself worthy to ask GOD for anything! Although I know I can through HIS Son Jesus Christ. HE is my Savior I shall not want! I will trust in HIM with all my heart and lean not on to my own understanding. In all my ways I will acknowledge HIM and HE will direct my paths. Did not Jesus tell the Devil: "not" to put the LORD thy GOD to the test! If not Satan then how much more not us? Are we not to walk in faith and thereby be justiflied for it? The Bible is full of repercussions for not trusting and following GOD. I try to take my lessons from them and not do the same thing. "... and HE certainly doesn't answer to us---I loved that part, for it's the part I forget most." Thank you for reminding me and also for letting me post! May GOD bless all! Via con Dios amigos!
Great responses today - thanks to everyone for the insights.
I never liked that Gideon had to keep asking for signs, but now it seems to make more sense to me. He first went in the dark to destroy the other alters, but the people figured out that it was him anyway. It seems like each time he tried to gain courage to do what God directed, and he needed the signs to help give him the courage. He had heard the stories from his forefathers about God's strength and faithfullness but needed his own 'signs'. I tend to think like DC and look for that PEACE that only God can give, always aware that it many times takes a great deal of patience to find or be given it, with or without the 'dew.' I wonder if sometimes we ask God and not even know it- He SOOO knows our thoughts!
I believe a fleece can be a good thing when used to know or confirm the will of the LORD. I think it can be a bad thing if used with the intent for doing what we want. An example of what I mean by that is, we at times seek advice from others until we find that person that agrees with what we have already decided to do and we use that to justify our actions. Gideon to me used the fleece to confirm the will of God. He was specific with the outcome so as not to leave any doubt. I think that is a good thing, since we can at times be too quick to do something in the name of God without praying about the situation. The main thing to me is seeking Gods’ direction in life through pray and if we need a fleece, cast lots, or a still small voice to confirm our request in the end we know the direction we should go.
I think of the disciples choosing 2 men and casting lots to see who would replace Judas.
I think of Abraham asking the LORD would He destroy the wicked cities if He found righteous people there and lower the number each time the LORD answer. I pray we all seek the LORD and His mercy in all things.
To fleece or not to fleece, mmmh.
I believe that we at times need a little help in making decisions, especially if we are young in the faith and seem unsure of our calling. We will get directives and question it because of our human side. We might find that we use fleecing when we are uncertain of our worthiness to be used of God. That is why it is important to build a relationship with God so we can discern His direction through the Holy Spirit. Fleecing might be necessary initially but as we grow in the Lord and as our faith increase we would need less of it.
Dear Fellow Bloggers,
I already commented yesterday on this "fleece" blog. . .
but while checking back to read what others had written,
I found myself growing kinda sad, even depressed,
at how unsure so many seemed . . .
So, What would you think of This Idea? . . . That, we bloggers
would begin checking back the next day to read what one
another has written. . . and as we read, we pray for
each other's ability to recognize the Holy Spirit's
leading, or any need which comes to light while blogging. . .
Reading each other's blogs can help us to learn from each
others' lives, and, also encourage each other!
Anyone reading this, I'd appreciate feedback . . .
Thanks,
DC
To DC - I often check back and many times enter a comment after the date of the posting. Thanks for the encouragement and I agree with your suggestion. Blogging opens doors of learning and possibilities to pray for others. Thanks to Back to the Bible and Tami too.
Yes, thank you P4 & Tami & all you bloggers! I always check back to see what others have posted. I am so amazed at what I learn from you all. I signed up for P4 because I need that choice little nugget of Scripture that is "just" enough to fuel by mind & spirit for my busy day ahead---nothing heavy, just a couple thoughts, I have found are . I can and do and did get so bogged down by Bible reading/study that I burn myself out and stop reading and studying (complacency). P4 is great because I do not get to choose what I read (settings bounds, expectations, etc.) it is chosen for me. I've made the committment to read P4 and reply to the questions that are asked, which "along" with all the posts, always sheds more light upon the truth, which I seek. Please keep blogging! I need you! I love you!
Just a quick note to say I am truly enjoying the blog. This is my first time reading it. I do read P4 daily and have for a few years now. Love it! Thank you for all you do.