Today’s Reading, Joshua 8-9
Focal Scripture: Joshua 8:33 “When Gideon died, the Israelites turned and prostituted themselves by worshiping the Baals and made Baal-berith their god.”
I have been alive long enough to see that people follow men more than they follow the Lord. This has taken place when pastors leave a church and then the church members start leaving in droves. They are demonstrating that Jesus was not their priority but the man behind the pulpit. It also happens when members of a church threaten to leave if a staff member is fired. This is a problem because their allegiance is not to the Lord but to a man.
In today’s reading we see this scenario happen with the Israelites. While Gideon was alive the Israelites were following the Lord. They were listening to the teachings and following the standard set by God. However, when Gideon died they began worshipping other gods. The scripture says they prostituted themselves, which is a major indictment. The scripture reveals that they were giving more allegiance to Gideon than God himself.
This is a reality we all need to face in our lives. If you follow a human leader more than you follow the Lord, you are violating scripture. Don’t miss hear what I am saying today. It is ok to have a preference of leaders. It is even ok to not be a big fan of every leader you come into contact with. People have different personalities and visions. These don’t always align and can cause some friction.
If you have a leader you are not a big fan of, it’s time to examine the reasons why. Are they pushing you to be more Christlike? Or do you just not like the vision they are promoting? These are not reasons for division. However, if they violate scripture that is a reason to break fellowship and not follow them anymore.
The opposite is also true, if you blindly follow a leader or threaten to leave if that leader is let go, you have now made that person an idol. How can I say that? Because men have gifts but they are not to be elevated above the Lord. When that happens excuses are made for sin and problems get covered up.
So who do you follow? Are you following the Lord? Or are you following a leader? One will lead to health, the other will lead to destruction. Be above reproach and make much of Jesus in everything that you do in your life.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Joshua 10-12
