lord -> LORD

During my time with God the other morning I decided to spend some time through Gideon's life (Judges 6). I had been encouraged thinking of his story in view of fundraising and ministry and wanted to spend more time in it. The general story is amazing: he ends up going to war against his enemies beginning with his 30,000 against their 120,000. The difference in number is somewhat discouraging but you can psych yourself out and believe you can do it!

I don't know if you know this about God, but He's awesome and WILL NOT share His glory with anyone. So to make sure Israel wouldn't be able to boast in their great army of 30,000 He decided their numbers needed to dwindle. He sent 20,000 of them home. Dang! Okay maybe they can still win. So He dwindles them again, this time they have only 300 men... going against 120,000. Impossible!!! If they were to win, it would have to be a miracle from God!!
Exactly.
So they win and He gets all the glory.

Such an awesome story, so encouraging.... oh how big is our God!!! This isn't the part I wanted to talk about. Do you know how the story starts out?

Korryn's paraphrase: (NKJV)

The Midianites (lame, evil people) come against the Israelites taking all their stuff. Because of that Gideon goes out to thresh wheat before the Midianites can get to it. The Angel of the LORD went and sat down under a tree near him and calls out: "The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor!" Gideon's like, "Uhh... if He was with us I wouldn't have to be doing all this work to keep my stuff safe, where are all His miracles He works if He supposedly delivered us from Egypt?" The Angel of the LORD replies back, "You'll save Israel with that might of yours. Have I not sent you?" Gideon's like, "Oh. Dang. But I'm weak and small." So He says, "Don't worry I'll be with you."

-- there's more to the story but this is the part I want to talk about.

First of all, what would you do if some random guy came up to you while you were working and called you a mighty man or woman of valor? If it were the exact wording I'd probably look up at them with a raised eyebrow, a confused grin and wonder why they said that.
This whole conversation is just amazing. God is speaking to him, makes His presence known by saying the Lord is with him, then speaks into action who Gideon is (a mighty man of valor). Just as a response to that comment, Gideon thinks it’s this random guy speaking to him. He even complains, mocks God and shows extreme doubt.

Here's the cool part:

"Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?”

Again He declares who Gideon is – mighty.
But He also presents His authority. I….am sending you.
At this point Gideon realizes who he’s been talking with. This is not some random guy; this is the Angel of the LORD!!!
I can’t imagine the gut check of realizing you’ve been talking with God (who has all power and authority) and have been complaining and doubting Him to His face.

I just love how God reveals Himself to Gideon – His authority in sending Him and speaking over Him who he’s created to be. I love His gentleness and loving patience in not severely rebuking him for doubting and complaining. And also His encouragement for Gideon, letting him know he’s not alone and that he will be used to defeat Israel’s enemies.
But I also love Gideon’s response: lord -> LORD
God’s authority blows him away!