Today’s Reading, Judges 8-9
Focal Scripture: Judges 8:23 “But Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the Lord will rule over you.””
We are all subordinate to someone in our lives. When we are young it is our parents, when we have a secular job it is our boss. Then when we get saved it is the Lord. Then if you are blessed to work at a church you are responsible to the Lord first and then the church members. Things get backwards when believers start submitting and serving in ways the Bible does not command or instruct. When God is not the one we submit to, our lives are out of balance.
In our reading today Gideon has a great victory. He defeats the Midian’s and even pursues them to utterly destroy them. After this great victory the Israelites want Gideon to rule over them. They even ask for this rule to continue with his children and grandchildren. The Israelites were focused on what they saw a man do and were not focused on the Lord. However, Gideon in his wisdom reminded the people God was their priority.
I wonder though if Gideon knew the people were bent to worship other Gods easily. The Bible tells us that the gold earrings that were melted down became a snare to Gideon and his household when the Israelites worshipped the ephod that was made. To make matters worse the Israelites began to worship Baal after Gideons death. They were being ruled by emotions and what they could see, instead of the God of the universe.
Our challenge as believers is to determine what rules us in our lives. For some people they are ruled by power and prestige. Others are ruled by control. Still some are ruled by money and being important. However, we need to be a people that are ruled by God. He must be our standard. He must be the one that we look to for hope and peace.
I hope today that you search your hearts. Find out if you want to be ruled by others or the Lord. Ask difficult questions that will change and challenge you to be more Christlike. If you serve at a church submit to the Lord and understand you serve the people. Be weary of those who demand obedience and allegiance.
In the secular world obey your bosses as long as it does not violate scripture. Be an example of love and have a great work ethic. Treat others well and fairly. It should be obvious to others who has our allegiance and respect as we work for the Lord. They should be able to tell who rules over us in our lives.
Be biblical in your allegiance and submission.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Judges 10-12
