Judie Suda

What kind of leader has Gideon's father Joash been up to this point? He has been a compromising, people pleasing leader. He allowed the people to set up an altar to Baal on his property. He probably did this out of fear to keep the peace. How does Gideon's action affect his father? It puts Joash on the spot where must choose to either keep on pleasing these people or stand firm against them in Yahweh's camp. Shouldn't have Gideon considered the impact on his father? I think Gideon probably did consider the impact on his father, that is why he took action at night. However, he had to obey God above his father and in faith leave the rest of the outcome to God. How should this have affected Gideon's action? In the flesh it would have made Gideon choose not to do God's will but Gideon choose to act in God's strength. In what sense is Joash a follower of Yahweh now? Joash chose to put his faith in Yahweh over Baal and put it into action by verbally declaring this to the people he had feared. Isn't it amazing how God works? He used Gideon's faith to bring Joash face to face with his compromising fear and overcome it. He loved Joash & had not given up on him. He knew the perfect way & time to force Joash into a corner where he would choose to stand up for his faith!

Why does Gideon do this at night? Is the night mission a sign of weakness or faith? (6:27) I think Gideon showed wisdom in tearing down the alter at night. When God calls us to do something we must be wise and plan it out. That is what Gideon did. He knew the people and the evil in their hearts. There was a greater risk of failure during the day plus a greater risk to him and his family. He chose wisely with courage and faith.

They broke the commandment: Today we too can easlily get caught up in the gods of this world and worship money, people, possessions, etc. instead of God. This pulls us away from God, decreases our faith and His good hand upon our lives. Personally, I find that it not only takes a commitment to daily prayer and study of God's Word but also a SACRIFICE. I had to sacrifice sleep and get up earlier each morning in order to have an undisturbed time alone with God--but it was worth it!!

Why do we blame God? It all started with sin. In the Garden of Eden, Eve blamed the serpent, Adam blamed Eve and so it has remained with our fleshly nature ever since. It is easier to blame others or God or even the devil ( the devil made me do it!) than to admit our OWN shortcomings, weakness and failures. What's the danger? The danger is that we cannot grow closer to God or mature in our Christian walk. Instead we leave ourselves wide open to the attacks of the enemy & he loves to lure us away from God & the truth. How can we stop short of this in the future?We need to discipline ourselves in daily prayer (confession) & study of God's Word (just like we are doing with this Gideon study). Then we can discern truth from error. We will develop and ear to hear God's voice and a passion to please Him in all our ways.

I love God's answer to Gideon's weak self-image- He said: " I WILL be with you and you WILL strike down ALL the Midianites together." This spiritual principle applies to our lives - We CAN do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us!" (Phil 4:13) The CAPS speak for themselves.

Hello from Canada! I am excited to join this online study and I am looking forward to what the Lord is going to show me personally in the next 5 weeks! I live in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. It is in the Fraser Valley just 1 hour from Vancouver. I am married with 2 teenagers and love my job secretary at a church within walking distance to my home. Nice to meet everyone!