YHWH: “Pull down your father’s altar to
Baal, and cut down the Asherah pole standing beside it.” Judges 6:25b NLT
Sometimes God wants us to take action.
Even though Gideon loved the Lord, followed the law and brought sacrifices,
there was more work to be done.
God had promised Gideon victory over
the Midianites. “I will be with you,” said the Lord, “and you will destroy the
Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.” Judges 6:16
But God also commands us to not worship
idols, hence the instruction to “pull down your father’s altar to Baal, and cut
down the Asherah pole standing beside it.”
Gideon built a new altar on that site
and gave a sacrifice to honor God. The people of the town were unhappy about
this, and wanted Gideon to die for what he had done. Eventually it was decided
to leave vengeance to Baal, who, since he doesn’t exist, did nothing. And after
that, Gideon was known as “Jerub-baal,” which means, “Let Baal defend himself.”
Of course the big picture isn’t about
any single incident. Gideon’s trend was simply to serve the Lord, through love,
sacrifices, tearing down idols and building a new altar for the Lord – whatever
God needed. There were no job-description or geographic restrictions on
Gideon’s ministry.
Now put yourself in Gideon’s shoes. You
already love the Lord and try to honor his commandments; but maybe there’s more
to do. It may be something new for you, different from what you have been
doing. Talk it over with God, and see what he needs you to do next.
Norton Lawellin
This coming
Sunday is the day we’ve all been eagerly anticipating - Jesus in the City
Fellowship and Familia de Fe (Spanish language) will be worshiping together, in
the main sanctuary of the Oliver Ministry Building, 27th Street
& Bloomington Avenue, 10:30am. Pastor Michael Pilla teaching, Pastor Walter
Chuquimia translating. Potluck follows in the gym – bring something to share!
We’re working on special music for this service – it should be
awesome! See you at church!
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