When God Gets Dressed

I love guacamole . . . .and warm chocolate chip cookies. . .and lazy days with a delicious novel in hand. . . and fishing with my boys on a cool afternoon. . . .and. . .

I love “Theology Thursdays”.

I stew over what I want to share with you for many hours before I write one single word on the page. I imagine us – you and I - sitting across a table (stocked with guacamole and cookies of course) looking deeply into our Bibles in between bites. Pens in hand, we’d devour a passage and then digest it slowly with our sweet and engaging conversation.

This blog is the place where I get to live out my dream. . . even if it’s only a portion of it. :)

I’ve been studying Gideon lately. You might be fully aware of that if you follow me on twitter. I can’t help but tweet so many of the fantastic things Judges 6-8 are teaching me. I’ve been loving every minute of this man’s story, his encounter with God and the transformation that took place in his life as a result. I’ve been drawn to many interesting insights that I can’t wait to share with you at some point but there is one in particular that I think might be an encouragement to you today. Take a look at Judges 6:14:

The LORD looked at [Gideon] and said, "Go in this your strength and deliver Israel from the hand of Midian. Have I not sent you?"

In our English translation it appears that Gideon is being commanded to deliver his people based on his own strength and ability. But Gideon was known in his neck of the woods as a man who was anything but strong and confident. He was fearful and noted for his insecurity. So, it seemed incongruent for God to offer this divine commend to such a cowardly man. A quick look at another verse later in the chapter helps us gain clarity.

Judges 6:34 - So the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon . . .

Ahhh! Now, I see. The strength and power that God was expecting from Gideon would come directly from God Himself.  In fact, the ESV version reveals a unique description of the meeting between Gideon and God’s Spirit. It says that God’s Spirit “clothed” Gideon. The Hebrew word normally “referred to the every day act of putting on a garment” [Believers Church Bible Commentary, Judges, Brensinger) and was very rarely used in the context of God’s Spirit the way it is in this passage.

Get this, God’s Spirit put on Gideon like a suit of clothes! Gideon’s flesh became the clothes that God put on to serve His own purposes. Gideon was now only a mere instrument of obedience. God was the engine and Gideon was the vessel. His actions would now be an expression of God’s leadership. When people looked at Gideon they might still see the same old guy but he most certainly wouldn’t be. Gideon’s previous weaknesses had literally become exchanged with the strength of God. He was filled with the power and the very person of God Himself and was now ready to be a tool operating according to His will.

Today, sister, would you remember that the same way God invaded Gideon flesh is the exact same way He will invade yours. As you face this day’s circumstances that may seem to demand more than you feel you are equipped to give, remember that you are merely the clothing of God. He has dressed Himself in your flesh and has given you access to His robust strength and divine power. You are His instrument and have been divinely equipped by God’s Spirit to handle whatever crosses your path today.

You are the clothing of God.

So, “Go in this your strength” my friend.

You have access to more than you can imagine.

You are loved,

Priscilla