Scripture Text: Judges 8:22-35
Gideon used the gold to make an ephod, which he put in his hometown, the town called Ophrah. All the Israelites worshiped the ephod. In this way the Israelites were not faithful to God—they worshiped the ephod. The ephod became a trap that caused Gideon and his family to sin.
Judges 8:27
Because of God's ways and provisions, Gideon achieved victory over Midian. Unfortunately, the people of Israel wanted him to rule as king over them. Noticeably, the people acknowledged Gideon as their savior rather than the Lord. But Gideon rebuked them so that people could realize that only the Lord should rule over them, not him nor his family (vv. 22-23).
As God promised to Gideon, the whole land was at peace for forty years, and Midian was no longer a threat. However, despite God's faithfulness to him, he turned away from the Lord by leading the people of Israel into improper worship practices. Gideon made an "ephod" using the collected gold, jewels, etc. Then the people worshiped the ephod as their idol.
After Gideon's death, the people of Israel were unfaithful to God again and worshiped the Baals. They made Baal-of-the-covenant their god and no longer served the Lord their God, who had saved them from all their enemies around them. They were not grateful to the family of Gideon for all the good that he had done for Israel.
As believers-followers of Christ, our faithfulness to God through our Lord Jesus Christ is a necessity, not only today but forever. We must be faithful to Him in all circumstances. Because the more we are faithful to Him, the more we glorify His mighty name! And the more we entrust our lives to the Lord, the more He take cares of us and blesses us.
Thank God because through His words, He teaches us the right path that we should follow. He leads us to be humble in the right way and teaches us His will. With faithfulness and love, He leads and blesses all who keep His covenant and commandments. Truly, our Lord is righteous and good; He is faithful to His promises and covenant with His people. He fulfills and never fails.
Reflect
1. Do you still have an ephod or idol in your life as a trap that causes you to sin?
2. Do you acknowledge God as the source of every victory in your life?
3. Do you want to glorify the Lord?
Be faithful to Him forever!
Remember
Faithfulness to God through Jesus Christ is the mark of true and genuine believers-followers of Christ.
Therefore, as Christians, we must walk according to God's will and never turn away from the Lord nor shrink-back.
Read
Hebrews 10:35-39
Pray
Dear God, thank You because through Your words, I am able to manage my life. You teach me the right path to Your will and lead me to obedience. You lead me to be humble in the right way and teach me Your will. With Your faithfulness and love, You lead, bless, and remind me to keep and follow Your covenant and commandments. Truly, You are Jesus, our Lord, righteous and good. You are faithful to Your people. In Your name, Amen!
Comments