Gideon
used a fleece because he lacked faith and didn’t take God at his word.
This
event was set in the context of faith, but there are some things we need to
note.
A.
It is a narrative passage rather than a teaching passage.
It
simply tells us what happened rather than how we ought to find God’s will.
It is a description not a prescription.
B.
It details a special event rather than a common one.
This
is an event that relates to the history of the coming of Jesus and therefore
has a value that events in our lives do not.
C.
It is an Old Testament passage, not a New Testament one.
Guidance
was often more detailed in the OT whereas in the NT it is based more on
principles. This seems to be because faith in the OT was less mature when
compared to the NT when the Gospel was fully revealed (see Gal 3:23-4:7).
D.
The servant himself did not read too
much into it
He
didn’t insist that what happened was indisputably God’s will and that
everyone must obey it; therefore we shouldn’t.
A.
I am not aware of any passage that teaches seeking a sign for personal
guidance.
The
use of signs in biblical history are described but not prescribed.
B.
How do we know what is a good sign?
Scripture
doesn’t give guidance on what are good, bad or frivolous signs to ask for.
C.
Signs foster immaturity, not maturity.
Wanting
a sign is like wanting God to make the decision for you.
D.
Asking for a sign can be a sign of unbelief.
In
Matt 12:38-39 they wanted a sign because they refused to accept what Jesus was
saying.