Scripture:

Gideon built an altar there, and named it Yahweh-Shalom, which means “The Lord is Peace.”

Observation:

Gideon realises that he has been talking to the angel of the Lord, and he thinks he is going to die because of this. But the Lord reassures him. Gideon builds an altar to the Lord and calls it Yahweh-Shalom, the Lord is peace.

That night the Lord commands Gideon to cut down his father’s altar to Baal and the Asherah pole. He is to build an altar to the Lord and sacrifice his father’s bull as an offering to the Lord.

The next morning, when the townspeople see what has happened, they demand that Gideon’s father send him out to be killed for destroying Baal’s altar. Gideon’s father retorts that if Baal is a god he can defend his own altar.

Shortly after this, the Midianites return. Gideon quickly raises an army. Then he places a fleece on the ground, asking God to confirm His plans by making the fleece wet with dew but keeping the ground dry. When he wakes up, this is exactly what has happened. That night, he asks the Lord to wet the ground but keep the fleece dry. Again the Lord confirms His plans for Gideon to lead the Israelites into battle against the Midianites.

Application:

God is Yahweh Shalom. The Lord is peace.

The Lord is the one who gives us peace in the middle of turmoil.

The Lord is the one who gives us peace with Himself though the death of Jesus. We have been brought from being enemies of God to being friends with God.

Peace is the Lord’s nature. He does not get nervous or anxious. He does not get taken by surprise.

The Lord is peace, and He shares his peace with us when we walk in step with Him.

Prayer:

Lord, you are Yahweh Shalom. You are peace. I receive you and your peace, in Jesus’ name. Amen.