37 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.” 38 And that is what happened. Gideon rose early the next day; he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water. Judges 6:37-38
Just a note for context since it has been a couple of months since the last entry for Gideon. Nearly a year and a half ago, I started writing blog entries on the life of Gideon in Judges chapter 6. This is the 29th installment on the series for chapter 6 and I will conclude the chapter with one more entry after today before going on to the next chapter.. You can search the site post under categories “Lessons From Gideon” to read the previous installments.
Gideon asked for a sign and a wonder before going into battle. God obliged his request both times rewarding the dew and the fleece. There is no indication in scripture in which God considered Gideon weak or doubtful. God did not get frustrated with Gideon’s questioning of God’s orders for him to deliver his people through battle. Remember, Gideon was a farmer, not a soldier.
Today let’s focus on the first miracle of the dew falling upon the fleece and the ground all around was dry.
In the scriptures “dew” was representative of favor and anointing from God. In a desert climate, rain was seasonal. Dew was a blessing from God to replenish the agricultural plants with water. The ground is passive and waiting for the dew to fall. See Psalm 128 for the connection between unity, favor and blessing and the dew which covers the land.
Notice in today’s passage, Gideon asks for the dew to fall upon the fleece and for the ground to remain dry. The next day he reverses the order. Why?
Some have speculated that the first miracle was to reveal the anointing for Gideon, himself, while the second revealed anointing for the whole army. Notice in the first request, Gideon says to God, “for I will know that you will save Israel by my hand as you have said.” Underline is my addition.
Personal anointing is not the same as personal qualification. When God calls you to do something, He brings the anointing and equipping. He uses all your giftings, personality, and past experiences to be used to fulfill the tasks at hand. It is all about fulfilling His calling, not about what you bring to the table to impress God.
When I take the opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus with someone, I don’t have to wait for me to have a perfect week in order to share. Neither am I disqualified from sharing if I have sinned with bad attitudes. Jesus’ blood is the element which qualifies me to share. It’s God who is anointing my life to carry out the leading to share the gospel in which the Holy Spirit is leading.
- Gideon’s first miracle reveals that God can and does fill an individual’s life with His favor and blessing, even if no one else around receives the same blessing.
- Gideon arose early in the morning filled with anticipation that God was going to answer his request
- Gideon recorded the miracle specifics. He wrung out a full bowl of water. It is important to record in writing and sharing how God answers prayers. We can use this information later to encourage our hearts how God has worked in the past.
As a child of God you have already received the anointing of dew in your life from the indwelling Holy Spirit. Favor and anointing remain upon you. You are instructed to be full of the Holy Spirit. The anointing is not only to make you live within Holy standards, but also to have a fresh supply of power and favor to squeeze out upon others.
Today, ask God to fill your life fresh and anew with the Holy Spirit. You are living the miracle which Gideon prayed for regarding favor and anointing. You carry the presence of God with you always by the Holy Spirit. Today your bowl is full.
Blessings Love y’all
https://anchor.fm/gregory-rogers2/episodes/Lessons-From-Gideon–Fleece-Anointing-e1adh6f
Lesssons From Gideon Fleece Anointing Podcast