1. Israel's sin, and God's discipline (1-10)

When the Israelites sinned by worshiping the gods of the Canaanites, the Lord allowed hoards of Midianites to invade and oppress them. Israel was impoverished; they cried out to the Lord. He sent a prophet to teach them the reason for their suffering.

2. Gideon (11-32)

Gideon was a youngest son who worked hard to please his father. He also trembled in fear. He hid in a winepress to thresh wheat, and complained to God for abandoning his people. The angel of the Lord came and said, 'Mighty warrior, I am sending you to save Israel!' Gideon said, 'Who, me?' The man demonstrated his power and Gideon realized that he was the angel of God. He feared God more than he feared the Midianites, more than he feared his family and neighbors. So he obeyed God's command: One night he tore down the altar of Baal and sacrificed his father's best bull. The fear of God turns cowards into bold and fearless men. Israel's problem was idolatry, not oppression.

Application: Lord, grant us people who fear you more than men--people who obey your word.
One Word: Go in the strength you have!