Week 5: The Cost of Tearing down Idols.
Scripture Reading: Judges 6:1-29
Synopsis: Read about how God is so excited to show His great love, compassion and unfailing care to us.
When the Israelites lusted after Baal, they replaced God with Baal; but now God was jealous and was ready to take back His place. Although Gideon built an altar under an Oak tree, God’s place was still occupied by Baal. God did not want to be hidden, He was eager to reveal His love, power and faithfulness to Israel once again. So, God had to instruct Gideon to tear down the altar of Baal in the high place and build an altar for Him instead. The former altar Gideon built was on a low land, God wanted to have an altar in a high place. Whatever we replace God with in our lives is in danger because when God decides to take His place, they will be displaced. Gideon’s father built the altar of Baal and God decided that He wanted one of his father’s bulls as sacrifice.
Even in Gideon’s timidity, he took a bold step by taking ten of his servants along to tear down the altar of Baal, build an altar for God and sacrifice at night. Why did he not take his friends? Maybe they would not have obliged, so he decided to take servants that could never say “no” to their master. Gideon was fearful of his family and clan, but he was courageous enough to obey God.
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Whatever we replace God with in our lives is in danger
because when God decides to take His place,
they will be displaced.
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Sometimes, it is the fear of those dearest to our hearts that prevents us from fulfilling purpose or obeying God. We lie to ourselves sometimes that if we hear God clearly and see signs that we will carry out whatever He instructs us; Gideon is proof that it is not that easy. He saw signs, he saw the angel of the LORD, yet he was afraid of what his clan would do to him. He might have prayed for them not to find out that he was responsible but in the morning, investigation revealed that Gideon did it.
Memory Verse: “You must worship no other gods, for the Lord, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about His relationship with you.” Exodus 34:14 NLT
Prayer: Lord God in heaven thank you so much for your mercy, help me Lord to not fear the actions and opinions of those who love and hate me. Lord instill in me a fear of You; a reverent and respectful fear, reminding me that you are greater and creator of all.
Action Plan: Here are some activities that you can try to help implement this week’s message. Stay encouraged!
1. List some people in your life that you know have and will continue to help you “tear down idols” or holds you accountable in your walk with Christ.
2.Give those fabulous people a handwritten card or note with your words of appreciation.
3.Document your thoughts and feelings regarding the first two task mentioned.