When the Time Comes – Gideon Part 1

The Old Testament, as we know it, was originally written in the Semitic/ Hebrew language. The style of that language speaks more in pictures than in precepts. Thoughts and ideas are often expressed in persons and places. This is sometimes referred to as typology, analogy or metaphor.

Thus, the history, customs, ideas and experiences of the people of God were handed down from generation to generation in stories. Those stories, repeated many times over, became known as oral tradition – even before any were written on scrolls.

Therefore, as we read the Old Testament, we can find treasures of inspiration and understanding wrapped within these ancient stories. By reading and meditating, the wonderful works of God with, and for, His people come alive. They nourish our souls and stimulate us to live our lives in a manner pleasing to God.

Given the circumstances we face today and the hope that relief will be coming soon, my mind has been taken back to the story of a young man, Gideon, who lived about 1100 years before Christ. There are some parallels and similarities. So that I do not have to make this far too long, please read the account of Gideon’s experience in the book of Judges, Chapters 6 & 7.

The sons of Israel had been oppressed by the Midianites for seven long years. Each year, when they tried to plant their crops to feed their families and livestock, the Midianites and Amalekites would invade their land, destroying their crops and killing their livestock. Whenever they did manage to grow a crop, these enemies would sweep in and steal their grain.

The people became so fearful that they fled to dens and caves in the mountains to hide from the marauders. “So, Israel was exceedingly destitute before the face of the Midianites, and the sons of Israel cried out to the Lord because of the Midianites”. (Judges 6: 6,7)

Just who were these Midianites and Amalekites? They were two of the many wandering tribes of people who appear often in the pages of the Old Testament – never in a good light. Thinking back to our introduction, their names have meaning. The term, Midianite, means “brawler, contentious one, bitter” – certainly the characteristics of a troublemaker. An Amalekite was “a people that licks up or takes away all” – with no regard for another’s life or property. So, the sons of Israel withered in fear and hid themselves away.

Upon hearing their cries and seeing His people bound in fear, isolation and hopelessness, God sent word to them. He reminded them that He had delivered them from oppression in Egypt under Moses (“to draw out”) and brought them to the Promised Land. He had blessed Joshua (“God saves”) to lead them into the land, granting them victories over the Canaanites (ungodly inhabitants of the land) and providing them freedom from their enemies, land to prosper and prospects for a bright future.

As time passed, the sons of Israel did not maintain their faithfulness to God. Their worship became lax, the commandments were neglected, and they turned toward other gods. God reminded them, “I said to you, I am the Lord your God, do not fear the gods of the Amorites (“rebel, babbler, given to foolish or idle chatter”), in whose land you dwell. But you did not obey My voice” (Judges 6:10).

Pausing here to reflect on this introduction, we might think of the Church as she lives in the world today – a world, which is not truly our home, but in which we have been blessed to live for a time. She has encountered adversities and adversaries many times before. Just now, we find ourselves restricted from gathering in fellowship and receiving strength from the Word of God and the Holy Sacraments, on account of a pandemic. Many are isolated in their homes, some are separated from their livelihood, many unable to obtain the goods and services for normal living. But beyond that, there are many adversaries attempting to minimize the Church’s relevance in our society, or at least distorting the truth of her message.

Prior to thinking about what we are going to do on the other side of this biological nightmare, perhaps we might give thought to our God’s reminder and rebuke to Israel above (Judges 6:10). Could it be that we have been forgetful of the protection and care He has given His people in times past and in our own lifetime? Have we been unmindful of His repeated reminders to fear not “the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell”? We need not fear the hostilities of men, nor pestilences, nor peril, nor any adversary in this world. We are only pilgrims here; our true home has been prepared and is awaiting us. There we will gather freely about the throne of our loving God.

Now we shall return to the story of Gideon. Having taken a look at where he was and where we are, we must now ask ourselves, “When the time has come, how will the Church rise and drive away those adversaries – physical, spiritual and emotional – that have oppressed us these past months”?

Since this has been quite lengthy, I send it as Part One with Part Two to follow in a few days. God bless you.

Fr. Andrew