Judges 6:25-32 Do It Afraid

Judges 6:25-32 Do It Afraid

Introduction: In the late 1800s, Charles Boles, known as “Black Bart,” became infamous as a stagecoach robber. Wearing a dark mask and carrying a shotgun, he never actually fired a single shot. In fact, his gun wasn’t even loaded. But the fear he instilled was real—so real that his victims always complied. His power wasn’t in force—it was in fear. For Christians, the danger of fear isn’t just external. It’s what fear can stop us from doing. Fear—real or imagined—can keep us from following Christ in obedience. But Scripture doesn’t call us to be fearless. It calls us to obey, even when we’re afraid.

1. A Hard Command and a Fearful Response (Judges 6:25–27)

God tells Gideon to destroy his father’s altar to Baal and build a proper altar to the LORD in its place, using the Asherah pole as firewood. Gideon obeys—but under the cover of night because he’s afraid of what his family and townsmen might do (Judges 6:25–27). God’s command was not only difficult—it was dangerous. It meant challenging the core identity of his own town, his family’s influence, and the religious norms of the day.

Gideon’s fear is understandable, but what matters is that fear didn’t stop him. We can obey even while afraid. Scripture affirms this again and again: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). When we follow Christ, we will sometimes feel alone, opposed, or misunderstood—even by those closest to us (Mark 3:21; Acts 26:24; Acts 7:56–60).

Still, God doesn’t choose only the bold. He empowers the obedient. The LORD was already at work confronting the nation’s idolatry, and Gideon’s obedience—though fearful—was the spark that ignited public confrontation with Baal worship. God doesn’t wait for perfect courage. He honors imperfect obedience.

2. When Fear Comes True (Judges 6:28–30)

The next morning, Gideon’s fears are realized. The townspeople discover the broken altar and burned offering and demand his death (Judges 6:28–30). But Gideon’s previous fear does not discredit his obedience. It reveals the cost of obedience—especially in a culture hostile to God’s truth.

Sometimes what we fear really does come to our doorstep. And yet, the lesson here is not that fear should paralyze us. It’s that obedience—even in fear—prepares us for the day fear shows up. Gideon obeyed at night, but that act was not hidden from God or the people. God used it to bring idolatry into the light.

“Do not fear what you are about to suffer,” Jesus told the persecuted church in Smyrna. “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). What we dread may very well occur. But it can’t separate us from the love or purposes of God (Romans 8:35–39).

3. The Unexpected Defense (Judges 6:31–32)

In a surprising turn, Gideon’s father Joash becomes his defender. He turns the accusation back on the crowd: if Baal is really a god, let him defend himself. And with that, the crowd relents. Gideon receives a new nickname: Jerubbaal—“Let Baal contend with him” (Judges 6:31–32).

Joash’s response is deeply ironic. He had once maintained the altar to Baal, yet now he publicly challenges Baal’s legitimacy. God, not Baal, is behind this shift. The LORD often uses unexpected people to protect and preserve His purposes. For Gideon, the help came from his own father. For us, it may come through relationships or opportunities we never anticipated.

More than that, Gideon’s protection wasn’t ultimately in Joash—it was in the LORD. God is our shield and defender (Genesis 15:1). Christ, our intercessor, prays for our perseverance and unity (John 17:11, 20–21). He is the one who stands between us and the judgment we deserve, and He is the one who strengthens us when the world stands against us (2 Thessalonians 3:3; Romans 8:31–34).

Reflection

Gideon didn’t begin his mission fearless. He obeyed while afraid—and God honored it. Are there areas where fear is keeping you from full obedience to Christ? Are you waiting until the fear is gone before doing what God has already made clear?

Fear may remain. But obedience is the fruit of faith, not fearlessness.

Contemplation

The same God who called Gideon out of hiding calls us today—to tear down the idols in our hearts, even if they’re accepted by our community or heritage. Will you obey even if it costs you your comfort, your reputation, or your safety?

God has never lost a battle. Our strength is not in being bold, but in being faithful to the One who defends His people and calls them by name.

Conclusion

We don’t need to wait until we feel brave to obey Jesus. We only need to trust Him enough to do what He’s commanded—regardless of the cost. Gideon reminds us: it’s not the absence of fear that honors God. It’s the obedience that walks forward in spite of it. When we do, we’ll find the same thing Gideon found—God is already working, already protecting, and already proving His faithfulness.

Scripture References

  • Matthew 10:26–33 – Jesus tells His disciples to fear God, not man.
  • Mark 3:20–21 – Jesus’ family questions His sanity.
  • Acts 26:24 – Paul is accused of being out of his mind for preaching.
  • Acts 7:56–60 – Stephen sees Jesus and is martyred for his faith.
  • Acts 4:17–31 – The early church prays for boldness in the face of threats.
  • 1 Peter 3:13–17 – Christians are called to be fearless, gentle, and ready to defend their faith.
  • Revelation 2:9–11 – Jesus promises life to those who are faithful unto death.
  • Genesis 15:1 – God promises to be a shield and reward to Abram.
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:1–3 – The Lord is faithful to guard His people from evil.
  • John 17:11, 20–21 – Jesus prays for the unity and preservation of His people.
  • Romans 8:31–39 – Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ.

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