[One-Verse Meditation]

Judges 6:24 (NIV) “So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD Is Peace (Yahweh Shalom). To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.”

[Meditation]

Despite God’s call to be a ‘mighty warrior,’ Gideon’s first response was doubt and complaint. “How can I save Israel?” (v. 15). I see now how he’s still fixing his gaze not on God, but on his own weak condition and bleak reality. To him, the Lord promises again, “I will be with you” (v. 16). This is the love of God, full of patience and zeal, that never gives up. Nevertheless, Gideon even demands a ‘sign’ to prove God’s living presence (v. 17-18). This scene is not unfamiliar, you see. It’s because our own image is reflected in it.

Having seen God’s living presence with his own eyes, Gideon trembles with extreme fear. It was because upon meeting the holy God, he realized he must die (v. 22). But God reassures him, declaring, “You will not die” (v. 23). Right in that place, after hearing this amazing proclamation of salvation, Gideon builds an altar and calls it ‘Yahweh Shalom’. That’s right. ‘Shalom’ is not merely a state of emotional calm; it is, first and foremost, relational restoration. It is the state where God’s mercy comes upon a sinner who deserves to die before a holy God, the state of no longer being under the condemnation of death, and therefore, the state of finally being able to enjoy true peace.

The next scene clearly shows what the power of this ‘Shalom’ is. Gideon obeys God’s command to tear down the altar of Baal, but he still fears the people and does it at night, not during the day. The fear has not completely disappeared from his heart. Nevertheless, he ‘acts’. Therefore, ‘Shalom’ is not our emotional state that fluctuates dozens of times a day; it is God’s unwavering promise to save us, His unyielding will for us. The small step of obedience Gideon takes, holding onto the promise even while still afraid and anxious—that is ‘Shalom’. That is the power of ‘Yahweh Shalom’, by which the LORD Himself takes hold and leads.

[Prayer]

Lord, it is true. I see You creating ‘Shalom’ within me. When I overcome yesterday’s fear and take a step of obedience today, I experience a deeper and greater Shalom day by day. This is grace. This morning, again, empowered by the Shalom You give, I take a step of faith. Amen.
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(Daily Reading)

Judges 6:14-30