The story of Gideon (Judges 6-7) shows how God can speak to us in many different ways.
1 Direct Action
- God spoke through changing circumstances. “Once again the people of Israel sinned against the Lord, so he let the people of Midian rule them for seven years” (Judges 6:1).
2 Prophet
- God spoke to a prophet. “The Lord sent a prophet who brought them this message from the Lord” (Judges 6:8).
3 Written Word
- God reminded the people that he had instructed them not to fear the gods of the Amorites as he would give them their land (Judges 6:10). This was written in Exodus 3:17, 13:5, 23:23, 33:2 & 34:11.
4 Angel
- The Lord’s angel came and sat under an oak tree. The angel appeared to Gideon and spoke to him (Judges 6:11-12).
5 Manifestation
- God showed his power by fire coming out of a rock and burning Gideon’s sacrifice (Judges 6:21).
6 Spoken Words
- The Lord spoke to Gideon and told him what to do (Judges 6:23-25).
7 Prophetic Action
- God spoke to the people by Gideon tearing down the altar to Baal and building an altar to God (Judges 6:25-28).
8 Anointing
- The Spirit of the Lord came upon or ‘clothed’ Gideon (Judges 6:34).
9 Inspiration
- When Gideon blew a trumpet, the men of the clan of Abiezer came to follow him (Judges 6:34).
10 Organisation
- Messengers were organised to carry the call of God which brought others to join Gideon (Judges 6:35).
11 Sign
- God gave Gideon a special sign (involving a woollen fleece) in answer to his prayer (Judges 6:36-40).
12 Revelation
- Gideon was shown which people to choose by the way they drank from the stream (Judges 7:4-7).
13 Dream and Interpretation
- God gave the enemy a dream and its interpretation! (Judges 7:13-15).