Joy Evans

At last Gideon gets it. He is being called to lead God's people. He is filled with the Spirit and under the Spirit's leadership he blows the traditional horn of a leader, and calls the people to him. There must have been a change in Gideon that was visable as the people answered the call and rallied around him. His act of tearing down the heathen alters obviously effected the people. This is the way it was done in those days. The people recognized the call of God's appointed leader and responded. Are we as faithful to follow our leaders? Joy

We are always to obey God rather than man. Maybe Gideon knew his father's heart and knew his father was with him. Or, even if he knew his father was oppossed, Gideon obeyed God. He was not disobeying his father; just following God. God blesses us when we step out in faith and follow him. Both Gideon's father's came through for Gideon in a BIG way. Joy

Giddeon has decided to follow and obey God. The first thing he is told to do is get rid of the "idols". God cannot act on Israel's behalf while they are still worshipping other Gods. On Israel's behalf, he obeys. He probably has told his father about about the visit of the Angel so his father is not surprised by his further action. Sometimes, and this is one of those occasions, when we know we will be opposed and there is no benefit of putting ourselves in harms way. He went quietly into the night and did God's work and then sat back and waited for God to take care of the matter. His father met the challenge of dealing with the towns people and set forth the challenge to let Baal take care of himself. I see this as an action of faith as Gideon knew he was putting his life, and the life of his servants in danger. He let God take care of the situation. I need to do more of that in my life! Have a great day, Joy

Thanks to all of you for the promises of God's help. Thought I would add Eph. 3:20. " God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think." I am sure that Gideon had no idea what God had in store for him as he was hiding preparing food. God was in charge. After Gideon got the message that he was really dealing with God, he was willing to do what God asked him to do. I am reminded of Thomas. He said he would not believe unless he saw with his own eyes. Jesus showed compassion on Thomas' doubts and came and let him see and touch. Jesus pronounced a special blessing on those who would believe and obey without seeing. In my personal life, I would like to among those who receive that blessing. By believing and trusting what God has said about Himself and His concern and help for me in my daily walk with Him. Bless all of you today, Joy

Gideon looked at himself, a captive in his own land. He was hiding to threshing grain for something to eat. How was he brave or a warrior? He only saw himself and his situation through his own eyes. God always sees things through His eyes. He knew what He could accomplish through Gideon if He was allowed to function. We can only be "all that we can be" when we allow God to function through us. Look what was accomplished through Gideon by God. What a lesson for me, and for all of us to let go and let God handle our lives.

They worship "other gods" which they knew was strictly forbidden according to the commandment. They CHOSE to forget and go their own way. Anything that we put first in our lives, before God, is our idol. We must take particular care of this problem. So easy to get caught up in the affairs of this life. Like the Prodigal we can go out with our Father's blessings surrounding us to do our own thing. God let Israel reap the results of their own decisions.

I am late getting started in this study. Do hope there are others starting out as well. Like Gideon, it is hard for us to accept the world of sin that we live in. We are at the depth of our souls sinful and the entire invirnment we live in is tainted with sin. It is where we live so are used to it. Gideon did not want to accept his own guilt nor the guilt of his people. He blamed the situation on God. Easier that way. It is always easier to blame others than to accept the responsibility for our actions. We must recognize the sin problem in the world and in our own lives and not blame God, He is not responsible, and be willing to accept the salvation He so freely offers.