Gideon put out a fleece to confirm what God had already told him. Therefore, a fleece was unnecessarily. However, when Gideon arose the next morning he was able to squeeze out a whole bowlful of water from the wool fleece. You would think one sign would be enough for Gideon, but Gideon made one more request.
He told God, "This time make the fleece dry and the ground covered with dew." (Judges 6:39)
When Gideon rose early the next morning, he found the fleece dry and the entire ground covered with dew. Gideon had put out a fleece on two separate occasions and had received the requested results.
Should Christians ask for a physical sign from God like Gideon did?
God has already promised Gideon that He would save Israel. That should have been enough. Gideon put out a fleece to get extra assurance. That act seems to indicate a lack of faith on Gideon's part. Previously, God had assured Gideon He was with Him (Judges 6:12) and had promised him he would use Gideon to deliver Israel. (Judges 6:14, 16) God had already given Gideon a special sign. (Judges 6:17-22) Therefore, the sign of the fleece, not only once, but twice was Gideon's way of confirming what he already knew.
So, what's wrong with putting out a fleece today? Here's why we don't need extraordinary signs to discover God's will:
- God's word is proof enough of His will. (Genesis 1:1-Revelation 22:21)
- We can be led by the Spirit of God. (John 14:26)
- We find inner peace and assurance from God. (Colossians 3:15)
- God guides us through prayer.
- God guides us through the counsel of godly friends.
- God guides us through circumstances.
- Seeking special signs indicate a lack of trust in God. We DO NOT need to ask for physical evidence when our spirit has already confirmed it.
In summary, Christians should NOT put out a fleece. We should walk by faith and not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7) Putting out a fleece was NEVER recommended by Jesus nor seen as a means of discovering God's will for our lives. In fact, Jesus commended those who believed without seeing physical evidence. (John 20:29)
So, go on and take back your fleece. Live by faith, not by a fleece!
[This was devotional teaching at The Way of Life Bible Institute in Richmond, VA. For other teachings CLICK HERE.]
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