look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you said. And that is what happened. Gideon rose early the next day; he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water. Then Gideon said to God, "Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece. This time make the fleece dry and the ground covered with dew. That night God did so. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew. Judges 6:37-40
I often say,"See Jesus in the scriptures, especially in the Old Testament." Many dismiss such endeavor as mere personal revelation that may warm the heart, but should not be considered on par with the important doctrines of God's truth, which is "clearly" delineated in the commandments and direct teachings.
However, the truth a mind cannot readily comprehend shines directly in the heart. Jesus is the truth of grace unsearchable, not to be understood but only satisfies as cool water to parched lips. The soul is desperate and impatient for relief not quenched by logic but passion, and the holy spirit enters not through an open mind but tear-filled eyes beholding the glory and beauty of Christ.
Why is it even in believing we are weak? It is only that we see ourselves in sin and not Jesus through grace. The Good Book beckons us with its poetry in words of love -- a love letter from above. And Love cries out to be heard, to be seen, felt...and be needed. When we journey through the scriptures old and new, glimpses of Jesus and His love are revealed to a searching heart. For it is the glory of God to conceal a matter, and the glory of kings to search it out. (Proverbs 25:2)
And when we see Jesus He always brings hopeful encouragement and promise of victory. Though we think of ourselves weak and incapable, the Lord lifts us up and pronounces us courageous even before the battle -- for He is with us no matter the depth of despair. And it is not just by the words, though sufficient, but in the giving of His very life for us the shadow of which is found in all of Bible. By laying down His body Jesus now lives in us -- at the invitation of hearts baptized by blood. The Bible is a book of life -- His life -- not to be read and learned, but ingested in all our senses. And when we do so invincibility is ours as God is invincible.
In the story of Gideon, he doubted his ability even in the pronouncement of the Angel or the Lord (Jesus). Yet Christ remains patient in assuring Gideon of His promise while being questioned from the lad's weak faith. Contrary to opinions that God is grieved by our unbelief, and angers in being tested, He is ever patient and understanding of our condition and need; even so in mercy He became flesh to demonstrate such lavish love on the cross, for by the cross we are assured of every heavenly thing.
Our Saviour Jesus Christ is seen in the fleece filled with morning dew on dry ground (the world scorched of spirit), and just as in that black evening of Calvary God hung on a tree, gave up His spirit for the world, and became dry, yet quenched all of earth with His dew come morning. And He is that bright morning star becoming dark and fell to the ground, giving light to the world and bringing life -- the Zoe life of God who finds strength in the weak, wisdom in the foolish, and reminds all who believe to be of good courage, for Christ is with him in battle of few against many.
No argument for God's loving plan ever needs to be made. All I seek is to see Jesus giving of Himself, over and over, just to carry me in His willing arms... and the warmth felt in the deep of my heart reminds that He is already in me. In the moonless night let us search the coming day, and may sweet dew fill our eyes and worship be in our mouths, for glory be to Him who lives in the scarlet treasure of morning kings. Amen
James
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