The Lutheran Hour Gideon, the Farmer General
Aug 23, 2025
Oswald Hoffmann, the former speaker known for his impactful sermons, revisits the compelling story of Gideon, an unexpected military leader. He elaborates on Gideon’s transformation from fear to faith, emphasizing how divine guidance shaped his courageous leadership against the Midianites. The discussion explores the challenges of living by faith amid modern fears and highlights God's unconventional methods in delivering His people. Hoffmann's reflections urge listeners to embrace grace and community, illustrating the timeless relevance of Gideon's journey.
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Bible History Shows God's Action
- The Bible presents history as God's action among fallible people, not a collection of idealized heroes.
- This view reframes biblical stories as examples of God's grace working through real human weakness.
Gideon The Reluctant Farmer
- Gideon is introduced as a reluctant, fearful farmer hiding while threshing wheat to avoid Midianites.
- An angel calls him “mighty man of valor,” and Gideon tests God with a sign before he believes.
Victory Through Divine Weakness
- God intentionally reduced Gideon's force so victory could be credited to divine action, not human numbers.
- The narrative highlights unpredictability: God often acts through unexpected, weak means.
