When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” Judges 6:12 NIV

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise was one of the iconic phrases of character Gomer Pyle from the Andy Griffith television show. As expected, this phrase was used when one of the other characters received information about which they had no previous knowledge, Gideon felt the same way when the angel first addressed him. We will deal with Gideon’s response later, for now, let’s analyze the angel’s greeting.

The messenger – Some commentators believe that this angel is actually the pre-incarnate Jesus speaking with Gideon. One reason is the text switches back and forth claiming the LORD was answering Gideon (verses 14, 16, 18 and 23). The second reason is the willingness of the messenger (one of the Hebrew definitions for angel) to entertain a sacrifice from Gideon. In Revelation, John explicitly relates how he is forbidden to worship the angel who had revealed what was to come. (But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!” Revelation 22:9) We are not to worship angels.

The message – The Lord is with you, mighty warrior. Jesus chose his disciples that He might be “with them”. In the valley of the shadow of death in the 23rd Psalm, the writer fears no evil, because he recognizes that the Lord is with him. If God be for us, who can be against us. The Hebrew prepositional word (with) carries the connotation of equality. Meaning that God is willing to share who He is with Gideon. He desires to be “blessed by association” with Gideon. 

Secondly, the Lord tells Gideon that he sees him as a mighty warrior. Might is defined as strength, efficiency, wealth or full of valor. We would assign this person with the qualities befitting a hero. God is telling Gideon that He sees him as a brave hero. He tells Gideon this information even before Gideon has done anything as a warrior.

Devotionary takeaways – Because of our relationship with Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior we too have a favored child status with our Father, God. God speaks to us on a level with our potentiality. After his denial, Jesus tells Peter to “feed His sheep”. Peter rose to the ranks as the chief apostle, even with his denial baggage.

Being called a child of God also implies that God doesn’t mind being favorably associated with you. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God John 1:12. Being called a Christian is not first about joining a club or adherence to some specific teachings or doctrine. It means that our lives and words look and sound like the way that Jesus behaved. We live “like Christ”. This idea raises the bar for holy living so that we do not bring dishonor to Jesus’ name.

Mighty warrior – implies gifting and empowerment. As we are born again spiritually, the Holy Spirit gives every person spiritual gifts as He determines. You are no ordinary person. You have been blessed with heavenly endowments to do the work that God has placed in front of you. The Holy Spirit also provides the strength and power to perform the task that He asks of you. Later in the story we find out that the Spirit of God comes upon Gideon. Accomplishing spiritual work for God has to include empowerment from the Holy Spirit to see supernatural results. As a child of God, you carry the presence and power of Almighty God through the abiding of the Holy Spirit in your life.

What desires and adventures has God placed in you that can only be accomplished through His empowerment? You are blessed with God’s favor, empowered by the Holy Spirit and commissioned by Jesus to be about your Father’s business. You are a favored, mighty warrior for Christ to reconcile the world back to God.

Blessing Love y’all