Gideon has always been one of my favorite Bible personalities (His story can be found in the Old Testament book of Judges). First of all, he has a cool name. Any one named Gideon has got to be one tough fella. In fact, back when I was really into wrestling, my created internet wrestler was named Gideon.
But having a cool name isn't the only reason I like Gideon. One reason is because he's just a regular guy or as he says "the least" in his father's house. His story is just one of many that God took a pretty average Joe and turned him into a spiritual warrior.
Another reason I enjoy reading Gideon's story is that he acted like I usually do. God's angel called him a mighty man of valor, and even after he had seen the angel and torn down the idols of Baal, he needed more reassurance before leading Israel into battle. I think sometimes modern day Christians get intimidated by the great men of the Bible that could do miracles and defeat nations with God's guidance. But here, I see a guy that was so unsure and so vulnerable that he asked God for not just one sign, but two. And God even gave Gideon more comfort in the form of an overheard dream that said he would destroy all of Midian.
Nowadays, we would say that Gideon had self-esteem issues. He certainly didn't believe he had what it took to lead Israel on his own. Gideon shows that there's nothing wrong with asking God for assurance. There's a fine line between reaffirming and doubting, though. Doubting is something Gideon never did. In fact, after he witnessed the signs he worshiped or he acted immediately and acted with confidence.
Yes, Gideon is a great example of "just some dude" doing mighty deeds. But he also provides us with examples of how we should listen, take action, trust God, and worship God because he "does great things, and unsearchable, marvelous things without number (Job 5:9)."
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