Gideon was the son of Joash, who had an altar dedicated to Baal, a Canaanite fertility deity, worshipped through rites of sexual promiscuity. Therefore, the first thing Gideon did to defeat the Midianites was to destroy his father's idolatrous altar, for it was evil in the eyes of the Lord. When those deceived by that evil religion saw the altar torn down, they became enraged against Gideon. Realizing the sin of idolatry, Joash advised them not to harm him, but to let Baal take revenge on Gideon (Judges 6:31).

         It was the beginning of the liberation of that family and the Israelite nation. After the Spirit of God came upon Gideon, men from various tribes of Israel stepped up to fight against their enemies (Judges 6:34, 35). Then, guided by the Lord, Gideon dismissed those who were not fit for battle, believing that with the 300 men approved by God, they would defeat the thousands of Midianites, Amalekites, and soldiers from other allied kingdoms. He kept the approved ones with him, and we should do the same, for it is not fitting to waste something that has already been decreed as good. In addition, Gideon had with him the Man of War, mighty in battle (Exodus 15:3; Psalm 24:8).

         These things that happened in Israel are shadows and figures (Hebrews 8:5) that allow God's people today to glimpse Heaven's response to problems. There is nothing better than trusting in the Lord who fights for those who obey His ordinances with humility and faithfulness (Isaiah 64:4). With God, we are greater than everything that turns against us, and we overcome the forces of darkness (Romans 8:31-39). All glory belongs to the Most High!

         In every generation, the devil rises up against those who believe in God, but the Lord is our Strength and Hope. Just as in other times He worked wonders in the lives of people who trusted in the action of Heaven, today those who trust in God's faithfulness will see that He is faithful to help them. Therefore, never be downcast; get up and do the divine will!

         Why not trust in the One who has never failed to fulfill a single promise (Numbers 23:19)? Even when everything seems to indicate that there is no way out for us, the Most High delivers us from those who want to devour us (Psalm 124). Lord is His Name! Almighty is His title! He is the Friend of those who practice His Word. Of one thing you can be sure: God is not afraid of the growling of wild beasts, for He is the Sovereign.

         It does not matter that another modern dictator usurps power and dominates the people. He has no way of giving anyone what he promises. However, when God rises up, He grants His children His peace, justice, and protection, and they are able to overcome the world. The saved are the joy of Heaven, so they can expect God to throw great stones from above, just as He did on those who wanted to capture Gibeon (Joshua 10:11).

         The Lord is always faithful! We must serve Him with joy, because He will never fail to bless us and give us everything our hearts desire and need.

          In Christ, with love,

          R. R. Soares