Judges 6:27 NKJV
So Gideon took ten men from among his servants and did as the Lord had said to him. But because he feared his father’s household and the men of the city too much to do it by day, he did it by night.
Gideon received orders from God to destroy the altar and idol image that belonged to his father. He was afraid of his family and the people in the city who worshiped the idol, but he was more afraid of being disobedient to God. He did what God asked at night so no one would see him doing it. Nevertheless, he did it. Then God stepped in when the men of the city wanted to kill him. He moved on the heart of Gideon’s father to defend him. Gideon’s father challenged his son’s accusers to allow the false god Baal to fight for himself if he was a real god.
Did you know that Jesus expects us to be obedient and honor Him even if we are risking our lives to do it? In Matthew 16:24-25 Jesus told His disciples that self-denial was required of His followers. in Matthew 24:9-14 Jesus warned His disciples that in the last days persecution against His followers could result in their death. He said that those who did not quit would be saved. Do you realize that the true followers of Christ are going to be tested in places like the USA where we once enjoyed religious freedom? Are you ready? The time to prepare spiritually is not when we are in the middle of the battle. It is before it starts. The preview has started. Real Christians are being persecuted now but it is only a preview. It’s time to make sure we are wearing the whole armor of God and drawing closer to Him each day.