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Week 06 · Gideon called

Tear Down Your Father's Altar First

Judges 6

God calls Gideon a mighty man before Gideon acts like one. But first, Gideon must destroy the idol in his own family's yard. His first battle is at home, not against Midian.

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Hidden in the Text

Weekly Devotional

Before Gideon could confront Midian's public oppression, he had to confront Baal in his father's yard. God even told him to use the wood of the pagan grove as fuel for the true sacrifice—the old idol became kindling for new obedience. Gideon did it at night because he was afraid, but he did it completely. By morning his father, who had owned the altar, was defending the act and telling Baal to plead for himself. One man's frightened obedience exposed a powerless god and shifted his household. Your first battle is often not the distant army but the inherited altar closest to home.

Setting the Scene

Midian has forced Israel to hide in caves. Gideon even threshes wheat inside a winepress so no one will see him. God first sends a prophet to explain why Israel is suffering. Then the angel of the LORD calls the hiding Gideon a mighty man. Gideon argues and asks for a sign. God tells him to begin at home by tearing down his father's altar to Baal.

What to Notice

  • God sends a prophet (vv. 7-10) before a rescuer. He explains their trouble before He ends it.
  • Gideon's first words to God are a complaint about God's absence (v. 13). God answers by sending him, not by defending Himself.
  • 'Go in this thy might' (v. 14) — the might Gideon does not believe he has is the might God has already assigned.
  • The first assault is on his father's altar, at night, with ten servants, 'because he feared his father's household' (v. 27). God accepted obedience that was genuine and scared.
  • Joash defends his son with logic Baal's followers cannot answer: if he be a god, let him plead for himself.
  • Gideon asks for the fleece after God's Spirit has already come upon him. God kindly helps Gideon's weak faith. This does not mean we should demand signs from God.

Hard Questions

  1. 01Gideon asked, 'If the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us?' Ask your own version of that question out loud right now. Then read verse 10 and answer it.
  2. 02What is the altar in your father's house — the inherited pattern, appetite, or silence in your family line — that God is telling you to tear down before you take any new ground?
  3. 03Gideon obeyed at night out of fear. Where in your life would you accept scared obedience from another man but not from yourself?
  4. 04God called him 'mighty man of valour' before there was evidence. What identity has God spoken over you that you keep arguing with?
  5. 05The fleece came after the Spirit came. Where are you asking for confirmation about something God has already made clear?
  6. 06Joash had to defend the demolition. Who in your family or ministry will pay a price when you finally deal with something you've tolerated?
  7. 07What would it cost you, socially and professionally, to be publicly known as the man who tore that thing down?

Cross References

  • 1 Corinthians 1:27

    Gideon's 'my family is poor, and I am the least' is exactly the profile God selects.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

    God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. Gideon did not need to become strong before God could use him.

  • 1 Peter 1:18

    Redeemed from the vain manner of life 'received by tradition from your fathers.' The father's altar problem named in the New Testament.

  • Ezekiel 14:3

    Idols set up in the heart — the altar is never only in the yard.

  • Romans 12:1-2

    Present your body a living sacrifice; the altar is either occupied by an idol or by you.

Heart Work

Sinful family patterns are real, but they do not have to control your future. God can fully set you free. Tell the other two men which family pattern you need to tear down. Decide what action you will take and when you will take it.

For the Men You Lead

Nearly every man you serve has a sinful family pattern. Understanding where it came from is not enough. Help him tear it down, and set the example by going first.

Memorize

“Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?”

Judges 6:14

Pray Together

Ask God to name your father's altar. Ask for courage to do it even if it has to be at night. Pray for the family members who will feel it.