In spite of Gideon’s slowness to trust, the Lord was extraordinarily patient. And he was so because of who was to come; indeed, who had to come. Gideon was in some respects a new Moses. He received the very same promises as Moses. He was chosen to be part of a similar mighty act of salvation. But in the end, Gideon cannot lead the people. And so also his story is a blaring cry for the Saviour to come. The one who would not fall prey to fear or pride. The one who would in true humility answer the call to save his people, but also lead his people for all of eternity in the righteousness of the Lord. This humble, gentle, lowly in heart King needed to come and live the life Gideon, you, and I failed to live. Jesus Christ, though God’s equal, God’s eternal Son, came to serve in office. He leaned upon the Lord who was with him. He did not ask for all sorts of reassurances. He simply found safety and rest in the promises of his Father, made to him at his baptism. And in making himself a slave of God, he submitted to his Father’s will completely, crying out, Let this cup pass from me, but not my will, but your will be done. That brought him to his death on a cross for our sins, which is as humble as you can get. He was the one who actually was forsaken by God. But that is how far he needed to go, to cover our pride.

Christ at our baptism pledges himself to us, promising to wash us, and to remake us, so that we would get away from fear and pride. He would have us trust that he and his benefits are sufficient to help us in the weal and woe of life.