MANAGING FEAR 3—GIDEON

January 18, 2026

Joe has been discussing fear the last couple of weeks. Examples of management of fear thus far have been Elijah, and Moses. Today Joe will discuss Gideon. Gideon is a judge during the time of judges. Judges were men and women called by God to judge Israel and alleviate their distress. God takes the time to help Gideon work through his fear and fight for Israel. In Judges 6: 12-27, Gideon has an encounter with Jesus. The angel of the Lord (Jesus) appears to Gideon and reassures Gideon that the Lord is with him. Gideon takes the time to question Jesus, again he is reassured that the Lord is with him and that he, Gideon, will strike down the oppressor Midianites. Gideon listens to God’s instructions on proper worship and sacrifice and he does as instructed. God is coaxing and encouraging to Gideon and, in fact, entertains Gideon’s questions. God goes from appearing to Gideon (as Jesus) to speaking to Gideon without an appearance. This corresponds to a progression in his faith. This progression is accomplished in a matter of a couple of days. Gideon does not let fear stop him from what he must do although he asks for many reassurances, which God does provide. The end result is that Gideon with 300 men (per God’s instruction) defeat the Midianites. Ultimately, Gideon rejects a king-like position over Israel, stating in Judges 8:23 that God is king and is to be followed. Gideon’s faith grows in the face of his fears.