PEACE THROUGH SUBMISSION TO GOD’S PLANS
When Gideon realized that He was the Angel of the LORD, he said,
“Oh no, Lord GOD! I have seen the Angel of the LORD face to face!”
But the LORD said to him, “PeaceH7965 to you. Don’t be afraid, for you will not die.”
So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it Yahweh ShalomH7965.
It is in Ophrah of the Abiezrites until today.
Judges 6:22-24
Tony Evans helps us understand Gideon’s distress:
6:22-23 Likely in verse 22 Gideon had in mind the Lord’s words to Moses, “You cannot see my face, for humans cannot see me and live” (Exod 33:20). But in response to Gideon’s fear, the Lord assured him that he would live (Judg 6:23). It’s clear, then, that Gideon did not see the full, unshielded expression of God’s glory. (13)
Most likely what Gideon experienced was a “theophany”, a clear manifestation of God in visible form. Many times, “Angel of the Lord” refers to the preincarnate Christ appearing to a human, a “Christophany” which would be consistent with Gideon not being in danger from looking upon Him. When Jesus walked on earth, He did not reveal His glorified state, nor did He when He appeared to Gideon. Gideon clearly realized that God Himself was speaking to him and was rightly fearful. However, God the Son, Jesus, assured Gideon he would not die and instead gave him the greeting of “Peace”, shalom.
Warren Wiersbe helps us understand the deeper meaning of the Hebrew word shalom:
6:24 The Hebrew word for “peace” (shalom) means much more than a cessation of hostilities: It carries with it the ideas of well-being, health, and prosperity. Gideon now believed the Lord was able to use him, not because of who he was, but because God is a God of provision and peace. We can pray for that same kind of contented purposefulness in our relationship with God. (14)
Shalom encompasses total well-being, the peace of God. What does Warren Wiersbe mean by “contented purposefulness”? When we realize we are “called according to God’s purposes” (Romans 8:28), and we submit our lives to be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29), we will be “content”.
This definition of “content” is taken from The American Dictionary of the English Language published in 1828 by Noah Webster:
CONTENT, adjective [Latin , to be held; to hold.] Literally, held, contained within limits; hence, quiet; not disturbed; having a mind at peace; easy; satisfied, so as not to repine, object, or oppose. (15)
We are most content or peaceful when we are in obedience to the Lord, bringing pleasure and glory to His name. Paul wrote to Timothy:
1 Timothy 6:6 Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain.
Are you experiencing a feeling of discontentment or a lack of peace? We only have the peace of God when we have peace with God. Ask the Lord to reveal any area where you may not be wholeheartedly, completely following Jesus. Then make any necessary changes to draw nearer to God by obedience to His word—safely contained within the limits, the boundaries God sets. The enablement to do this is a result of the Holy Spirit’s power within you as a believer.
Father, help us to remain within the boundaries You have set before us in Your word in order to be at peace and free to live the abundant life You offer us.