The call and challenge of Gideon.

At our Adult Bible class I've been doing Judges. We have come to chapter 6.

Last Sunday 3rd June, I had to preach at Eratchippu from 9.00 a.m. so my wife did the Bible lesson for me Lesson 12 on The call of Gideon. Gideon was hiding from the enemy. He was powerless and fearful. The angel of the Lord appeared to him and gave him God's message.

Today we continued with the study of God's preparation of Gideon for the mighty task of delivering Israel from the oppressors. With the call given, God's first assignment to him was not directly to attack the enemy as might be expected; rather it was to destroy an offending evidence of Baal worship in the community - the high place constituted of an altar and an Asherah pole. The pole was regularly set up next to the Baal Altar and clearly played a  major role in fertility worship. It was most offensive in God's sight. The word 'grove' is used in King James Version.

Gideon obeyed the order but did the destruction at night. It took great courage for him and his ten servants. The work would simply be impossible to carry out during the day due to the opposition of God's people.

They destroyed the altar, cut down the pole and used it for fuel, built a new altar to Yahweh, the true God. and prepared a bullock to sacrifice on it. The next morning the community was astounded and angry when they discovered the deed.

Gideon obeyed God in destroying heathen altar and building an altar for the Lord. Now the Lord would used him for greater task. "Each victory will help you some other to win."

The Lord always prepares his servant for the mission that lies ahead.