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April 2nd
The Bible reading for today is in Judges chapters 8 & 9.
The reading begins with a discouraging picture painted by the men of Ephraim...a “self-centered” picture.
They were jealous of the heroic recognition given to Gideon in his leading the 300 to routing the huge Midianite army. Instead of being thankful for the victory over their oppressors, they were selfishly negative and judgmental toward their deliverer. They wanted more recognition for themselves.
Let us remember that the Tabernacle was set up in the city of Shiloh in the province of “Ephraim”. These men lived every day close to the House of God. And yet, they were behaving self-centered rather than God-centered.
Immediately, I think that the men of Ephraim should be reproved for such an ungodly response toward Gideon. And then I remember occasions when I have coveted the praise given to others. And I don't just live near the house of God, by the Holy Spirit in me, I am the house of God. There’s no excuse friends for seeking our own glory...anytime. Lord help us!
Continuing in the text...Gideon...from hero to zero!
The scripture says that Gideon led his men to pursue the fleeing Midianite army. He fought and his men fought until the battle was won. That is Godly persistence. This part of Gideon’s heroic profile reminds me of the greatest Warrior who fought until the battle was won...Jesus...on the cross...”
It is finished”...the battle to win my salvation was fought until victory over sin, Satan, and death was won for me...for us...for all who believe the deliverer, the Lord our God...JESUS CHRIST!
Continuing in the text, the leaders and the people of Israel recognized Gideon’s skill and prowess as a courageous deliverer. So they tried to persuade him to be their king.
Gideon replied, “No..I will not rule over you. The Lord will rule over you.” Gideon understood that it was not his place to take the throne over Israel. Only God could be Sovereign over Israel.
As followers of Christ, His disciples, we are often offered the “throne” of our lives. Too many times we accept and begin to rule over our own lives like a god. And then the Holy Spirit within us leads us back to the truth...Jesus...Jesus is Lord...Jesus is King...Jesus rules on the throne of His kingdom of which we are a part.
The Midianite war was over. Gideon had made great decisions on the battlefield...split-second decisions that translated into victories. But now, Gideon at home in Ophra...Gideon the farmer and no longer the general...Gideon makes one poor judgment after another.
He would seek to accumulate a fortune for his service...to live over and above those he served. Bad call. He would create an imitation “High Priest” garment...the “Ephod” vest. And he would display it in his city.
I want to believe that Gideon was only using the display to remind Israelites to seek the Lord. I want to believe that Gideon never intended to compete with the Tabernacle in Shiloh. But scripture says that the Ephod display became a stumbling block to many on their spiritual journey.
Lesson: Even just an inch away from God’s word...God’s ways...God’s will...will always lead to trouble for the believer and his friends.
Praise God...we have something...we have someone who is far better than a golden ephod to inspire our worship of the God of our salvation...JESUS!
Have a great day
