A Bold Act of Spiritual Realignment
What altars in my life need tearing down this week?
That’s the question that gripped me after reflecting on Gideon’s courageous act of demolishing his father’s altar to Baal in Judges 6*.
When the Israelites turned away from God, they were handed over to the Midianites, a nomadic people who relentlessly oppressed them. Yet, in His mercy, God called upon Gideon to save his nation from the might of the Midian army.
Despite Gideon's shortcomings—his tendency to people-please, his belief that he was the least in his family, and his doubts about his qualifications—God still saw him as the perfect choice, greeting him with the powerful words: "Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!"
But before Gideon could save his people, God challenged him with a task that hit home: tear down the altar in his father's house and build a new one.
The Challenge of Gideon's Call
“That night the Lord said to Gideon, “Take the second bull from your father’s herd, the one that is seven years old. Pull down your father’s altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole standing beside it.” v.25*
This wasn't just an act of physical destruction but a spiritual realignment.
God was asking Gideon to prioritize Him above all else, even above his own family's traditions and beliefs. Before he could accomplish something great for God, he had to ensure his home priorities were in order.
And Gideon, despite his fear, rose to the challenge.
“So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the Lord had commanded. But he did it at night because he was afraid of the other members of his father’s household and the people of the town. Early the next morning, as the people of the town began to stir, someone discovered that the altar of Baal had been broken down and that the Asherah pole beside it had been cut down. In their place a new altar had been built, and on it were the remains of the bull that had been sacrificed. The people said to each other, “Who did this?” And after asking around and making a careful search, they learned that it was Gideon, the son of Joash.” v.27-29*
What's striking is that Gideon chose to do this at night, under the cover of darkness, out of fear of the community's reaction.
Understandably so, as in his culture, destroying a family altar would have been seen as an act of rebellion, likely to incite anger and violence from those who worshiped Baal. Despite his fear, Gideon carried out God's command, symbolizing his willingness to follow God even when it was dangerous and disruptive.
The Unexpected Transformation of Joash
Gideon's tearing down the altar wasn't just a private matter; it had public consequences.
When the city's men discovered what had happened, they were outraged.
But the transformation wasn't just external; it reached Gideon's family. His father, Joash, a worshiper of Baal, defended Gideon's actions, a surprising shift that hints at Joash's own turning back to God.
“Bring out your son,” the men of the town demanded of Joash. “He must die for destroying the altar of Baal and for cutting down the Asherah pole.” But Joash shouted to the mob that confronted him, “Why are you defending Baal? Will you argue his case? Whoever pleads his case will be put to death by morning! If Baal truly is a god, let him defend himself and destroy the one who broke down his altar!” From then on Gideon was called Jerub-baal, which means “Let Baal defend himself,” because he broke down Baal’s altar.” v.30-32*
Tearing Down the Altars in Our Hearts
Here’s a gem to meditate on this week: When God calls us to a new thing, it usually requires us to tear down the altars in our lives that have given allegiance to other gods and rebuild the altar of God in our hearts.
When you read the account, I’m sure you are tempted to think that tearing down the altar only applies to confronting the deep-seated idols within your families or physical homes.
But God's call is even more personal.
God always begins by asking us to examine the home of our hearts. He wants us to address what's happening within us before divine positioning.
For Gideon's father, it was the altar to Baal. For us, it might be the altars of self-reliance, lust, trauma, limiting beliefs, pride, selfishness, arrogance, low self-esteem, fear, or people-pleasing. It could be anything—from habits/addictions that numb us from dealing with stress to pursuing external trappings and validations at the expense of our health or relationships.
These old altars are nothing to take lightly. They shape our lives—how we see ourselves, perceive the world, and relate to God.
Whatever our altar may look like, God is calling us to break down these old altars and replace them with a new one centered on consecration—through prayer, worship, and immersion in His Word.
And here’s the thing - God isn't waiting for us to "have it all together" or "feel ready to do so" before we take this step. He calls us to do it even while we're afraid, hesitant, or uncertain. In doing so, we break the strongholds that have held us back, just as Gideon's act symbolized the end of Israel's oppression by the Midianites.
This week, remember to slow down and ask God to reveal the hidden idols in your life that have taken precedence.
- Dentrecia B.
*All passages were quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT).
Deeper Reflection
Exodus 20:3 - "You shall have no other gods before me." This verse prompts us to reflect on what might be taking precedence over God in our lives. What have we allowed to become more important than our relationship with Him?
Breaking down these altars not only frees us but can also bring about change in those closest to us, just as Gideon’s act led to his father’s change of heart. How has addressing a stronghold in your own life influenced those closest to you?
The altars within our hearts weren’t built overnight; they’ve been shaped and reinforced by our upbringing, beliefs, and life experiences. But in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, we're reminded that the battles we face are spiritual, and the tools we use to overcome them aren't of this world—they are divinely powerful. How can we rethink how we approach these inner struggles or strongholds?