What does Gideon's boldness in Judges 6:28 teach about godly courage today? Snapshot of the Scene Judges 6 finds Israel oppressed by Midian because of idolatry. God calls Gideon, a cautious farmer, to deliver the nation. Following the Lord’s command, Gideon tears down his father’s altar to Baal and the Asherah pole, and in their place offers a bull on a new altar to Yahweh. “ ‘When the men of the city got up early in the morning, there was Baal’s altar torn down, the Asherah pole beside it cut down, and the second bull offered on the newly built altar.’ ” (Judges 6:28) Why Gideon’s Act Was Bold • Confronted family sin first—Baal’s shrine stood on his father’s property • Defied community expectations—risked death by enraged townsmen (6:30) • Obeyed immediately despite fear—carried out the command the very night he received it (6:27) • Trusted God’s promise—“ ‘I will be with you.’ ” (6:16) Principles of Godly Courage Today • Godly courage begins with private obedience before public victory. • True boldness overturns idols—whatever rivals God in our hearts or culture. • Acting on God’s Word may provoke opposition; courage presses on anyway. • Fear is real, but faith is stronger when anchored in God’s presence (Joshua 1:9). • Courage inspires others—Joash defends Gideon, and the town’s fury subsides (Judges 6:31–32). Cultivating Gideon-like Boldness • Anchor identity in God’s call, not personal inadequacy (Judges 6:15–16). • Submit every step to the Lord’s clear instruction—His Word supplies direction (Psalm 119:105). • Move at once when God speaks; delayed obedience drains courage. • Start where you are: address compromise in your own “backyard” first. • Rely on the Spirit’s power: “ ‘For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.’ ” (2 Timothy 1:7) Encouraging Scriptures • Acts 4:13—boldness seen in ordinary disciples when they had “been with Jesus.” • Psalm 27:1—“The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” • Proverbs 28:1—“The righteous are as bold as a lion.” • Hebrews 13:6—“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” Gideon’s nighttime demolition shows that godly courage is not the absence of fear but the resolve to obey God’s Word, dismantle idols, and trust His presence—principles still vital for believers today. |
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