So Israel was reduced to starvation by the Midianites. Then the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help.

The Lord said to him, “I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.”

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. 29The 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.30“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.”31But 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!” 32From then on Gideon was called Jerub-baal, which means “Let Baal defend himself,” because he broke down Baal’s altar.

Then the Spirit of the Lord clothed Gideon with power.

Lord God my Father,

Deliver me from the oppression of the deceiver, and give me power over my sin nature. Make me bold in your task, obedient to you only. Clothe me in your power.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen