Judges 8:23
The scripture for today is Judges 8:23
Judges 8:23 But Gideon said to them “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you.”
After the Lord used Gideon to secure a great victory for Israel against their enemies, the people, instead of looking to God, cast their desire upon the instrument whom God worked through. “Then the men of Israel said unto Gideon, rule you over us, both you, and your son, and your son's son also: for you have delivered us from the hand of Midian.” Judges 8:22 God was their King and Deliverer, but in their carnal minds, they attributed the success of the work of God to Gideon, the one whom God used to demonstrate His power. They wanted to establish Gideon as king and have his sons follow him in succession.
So quickly man becomes enamored with the creature rather than the Creator (Romans 1:25). The carnal mind always moves away from faith in God and embraces that which it experiences through the senses. These people acted in accordance with their flesh and did not give honor to God who was their Deliverer.
Gideon, however, did not respond in the flesh. He knew that the great victory they had achieved was not because of His skill, wisdom, or power. His response to their request to make him king was the response of a faithful servant. “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you.” Gideon recognized that God was the ruler of His people. He had been from the beginning, and the system of government that God put in place established Himself as the head. Those whom He appointed to speak for Him received their instructions from God and communicated those instructions to the people. Gideon had no interest in changing what God had established; he had no interest in trying to be like the other nations around them. He chose to follow God’s plan and not the world’s system.
The world may offer its allurements and attractions, but they only appeal to the flesh. For those who maintain faith in God, there is nothing more attractive than following His plan, purpose, and will. May we, like Gideon, always turn to God for our direction. "As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all them that trust in Him." 2 Samuel 22:31
God bless you as you continue in His service.
Tim