JERUBBAAL'S REDEMPTION

Horrifying images of Midianite marauders
robbed his nightly slumber
of its precious peace.
In fear he hid in a wine vat
hoping to gleam a single day's grain
as much needed relief.

Then appeared the messenger of the Lord
bringing unto Gideon's lack of fame
the courage and calling
to rescue Israel
from the reminders of its terrible shame.

Poor Jerubbaal didn't at first grasp
with his words so rich in doubt and fear
the meaning of the heavenly message,
which the angel made so abundantly clear.

Through grace and compassion
God took this simple, ordinary man
and made him into the unlikely captain
over Israel's motley, warrior clan.

His army's defeat of the Midianite band
happened only through the Lord's perfect plan
having gained with by his helping hand
so that despite Gideon’s fears
by the Lord's strength
was ended Israel’s need for tears.

Through his story
I can thus always rejoice
knowing how any lowly soul
even one of my imperfect voice
may trust unto the Lord
to seek from life so much more
than failure’s empty choice.