45. Theophany: Gideon’s Call, Part II — Fire from the Rock

Judges 6:19–23

How is Jesus calling you to serve Him, to yield your life to Him?

• Paul's call came at once, at noon in the brilliance of the sun.

• Jonah's came over time, in darkness, in the belly of the whale!

• Jesus came to me while I was very young, and has refreshed my call again and again.

Gideon's call stretched out as he learned to obey. Learn from him as you read.

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In our last theophany (#43), Gideon met the Angel of the LORD while hiding in fear, threshing wheat in secret. The LORD called him a “mighty man of valour” when Gideon felt anything but mighty.

Now the encounter deepens — and becomes unmistakably divine.

Gideon's Hesitant Offering

Gideon does what many cautious believers do when confronted with God’s call:he asks for time.

This is not bargaining. It is reverence mixed with fear.

Gideon prepares a costly offering — meat, unleavened bread, broth — the kind of gift a poor man in an oppressed land would not give lightly. He places it on a rock, as instructed.

This is already significant. Sacrifices belong on altars — not on bare stones — unless God Himself makes the place holy.

Fire from the Rock

Then comes the moment.

The Angel of the LORD does not light a fire. He does not call down fire. He does not pray.

He simply touches the offering with His staff.

Fire erupts — from the rock itself — and consumes everything.

This is no ordinary messenger. This is no created angel.

Throughout Scripture, fire marks the presence of God:

• Fire from heaven consumes Abel’s sacrifice

• Fire from the bush burns without consuming

• Fire descends on Sinai

• Fire falls on Elijah’s altar

And now, fire bursts forth at the touch of the Angel of the LORD.

Gideon understands instantly what has happened.

“Alas, O Lord GOD!”

This is the fear of every mortal who realizes he has been in the presence of God.

The consistent testimony of Scripture is clear: No man can see God and live — apart from divine mercy.

Gideon expects judgment.

Instead, he receives peace.

The Voice of Reassurance

The Angel who accepted the sacrifice now speaks as the LORD Himself.

This is the turning point of Gideon’s life.

The God who calls him also calms him.

The God who exposes his fear also removes it.

This is grace.

Not judgment for weakness, but reassurance for obedience.

The Meaning of the Theophany

This theophany teaches us several enduring truths:

1. God meets His servants before He sends them. Gideon will face Midian — but first he must face God.

2. God accepts imperfect faith when it is offered sincerely. Gideon’s courage will grow — but it begins here, trembling and unsure.

3. God reveals Himself before He reveals the task. The fire comes before the battle.

4. God’s presence brings peace, not terror, to those He calls.“Fear not: thou shalt not die.”

This is the heart of every true calling.

Christ in the Theophany

The Angel of the LORD receives sacrifice, commands worship, speaks as God, and departs — leaving peace behind.

This is not a created being. This is a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ.

The same Lord who later says:

Here, in Judges, He says simply:

For Us Today

Many believers fear God’s calling because they know their weakness.

Gideon reminds us: God does not wait for strength — He creates it.

He does not demand fearlessness — He gives peace.

And He does not destroy those who meet Him humbly —He sends them.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are the One who calls and reassures, who reveals Your holiness and speaks peace to fearful hearts.

When we tremble before Your calling, remind us that You do not call us to destroy us, but to redeem and send us

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Give us faith enough to obey, and peace enough to trust.

Amen.

Coming Next Week:46. Gideon and Moses —

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I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,

And it told Thy love to me;

But I long to rise in the arms of faith

And be closer drawn to Thee.

Refrain:

Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord,

To the cross where Thou hast died;

Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord,

To Thy precious, bleeding side.

Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,

By the pow’r of grace divine;

Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,

And my will be lost in Thine.

Oh, the pure delight of a single hour

That before Thy throne I spend,

When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God

I commune as friend with friend!

There are depths of love that I cannot know

Till I cross the narrow sea;

There are heights of joy that I may not reach

Till I rest in peace with Thee.

---Fanny Crosby, 1875