But Joash said to all who stood against him, "Would you plead Baal's case for him? Would you save him? Whoever pleads his case will be put to death by morning! If he is a god let him plead his own case because someone tore down his altar."
That day, Gideon's father called him Jerubbaal, saying, "Let Baal plead his case with him." Because he tore down his altar. Judges 6:30-32
Gideon had torn down his father's idol yet it was not his father who was angry with him, it was the men of the village.
Gideon won his father's respect. I wonder if he knew his father would defend him? He took the risk that his father's heart would be attached to his idol, instead of him.
It is sad when the house idol is more important than those who dwell within. I experienced persecution years ago because I failed to video a show. The TV was the idol.
I must be careful that the reputation I have is not more important than the people in my world; that the things in my world do not own my heart; that my ways or desires are more important than people.
How do I manage this? Staying close to The Lord and allowing him to convict me of truth. Every time I wander away from closeness then lies chase me. I must stay close.
Gideon's father was himself challenged and chose correctly. He chose to love his son. He faced off the whole community in defence of his son. Well done Joash!
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