Judges 6:25-27
25 Now on the same night the Lord said to him, “Take your father’s bull and a second bull seven years old, and tear down the altar of Baal which belongs to your father, and cut down the Asherah that is beside it;
26 and build an altar to the Lord your God on the top of this stronghold in an orderly way, and take a second bull and offer a burnt offering with the wood of the Asherah which you shall cut down.”
27 Then Gideon took ten men from his servants and did as the Lord had spoken to him; and because he was too afraid of his father’s household and the men of the city to do it by day, he did it by night.
Preparation before Serving
Reconciliation with the Lord
Everyone, regardless of who they are, there is a spiritual preparation that needs to be done before engaging in service. In short, spiritual preparation is reconciliation with the Lord God. Gideon also needed to undergo spiritual preparation before embarking on his battle against the Midianites. In today’s passage, there is an important command from the Lord, and it was an essential preparation that Gideon needed before assuming his role as a judge. The command from the Lord came on the night when Gideon sought a sign. This command included four aspects: (1) tearing down the altar of Baal. It is necessary for idolatry to be removed from our hearts first. (2) Building an altar to the Lord. Worship to the true God must be restored in our hearts. (3) Offer a burnt offering. In this case, a “seven-year-old second bull” is being offered. The term “second bull” signifies a mature and prime bull. This bull serves as a sacrificial animal that brings reconciliation with God. It is impossible for anyone who has not experienced reconciliation with God to stand in the Lord’s battle. (4) Cut down the Asherah pole and burn it as a burnt offering. Asherah was a goddess and the wife of the chief Canaanite god, “El.” The command to burn the Asherah pole represents God’s anger towards idolatry.
Gideon’s obedience
Gideon is carrying out the Lord’s command. (1) He is doing it with ten of his servants, keeping it secret and fearing that it would become known. (2) Furthermore, he is doing it during the night, fearing the eyes of his relatives and the people of the town. Although Gideon still lacks boldness, he is still carrying out the Lord’s command. The journey of a believer begins with taking the first step right in front of them. Through which, the next path becomes clear. How are you achieving reconciliation with the Lord? We have been given our Lord Jesus as our mediator. Through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, we are able to experience peace with our Heavenly Father. Are there any dark areas in your heart? Let us now be cleansed by the cross of our Lord Jesus. Then you will be able to stand as a servant of the Lord.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, the God of Jesus Christ, I pray that you would cleanse me through the blood of the cross. Use me for your purposes. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.