First Five reading.
When we think we are there. When we met our goal. When victory is in our grasp. Let us not forget there is more to do. Even if that “more” is not to let it slip from our grasp, stay on course, and move to the next thing consistent with His plan. Lesson applies to this world too.
Gideon had a mission to defeat the Midianites. He did so with a small number, but on his way following the Midianite king, some locals gave him a little “smack” in one of the towns he passed through. It dissed him, but he finished the victory. But then Gideon went his own way on a downward slide, killing kings and many of those in the town who gave him a hard time. Gideon even took some of the spoils and made not one but two priestly ephods. One for himself, and one for people. Thus allowing idolatry back in. Remember the Gideon hiding away threshing wheat in fear in a winepress when the angel called upon him? Remember how well he did at the start? But now when flushed with success, Gideon lost his way and led others astray.
Stay on mission. Do the “next thing”.
These are not my sole thoughts, but a reminder from this reading and First Five’s commentary on why I have been feeling in a bit down lately. Well, I got out of my routines, put on some weight, quit my morning Bible communes, cut back on quiet music and my walks.
Without the light, the darkness enters.
Here is a quote from the reading.
Gideon’s story comes to an anti-clamactic, yet chilling ending here in Judges 8. After Gideon made this ephod, Scripture records these sad words, “All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family” (Judges 8:27b).
Victory can fan the flames of pride and power. Fame can be dangerous. Gideon got caught up in the moment. His actions set the course for idolatry and cult-like activity for generations to follow. The hailed hero lost sight of the Holy One. Rather than illustrating Gideon’s faith and obedience, his story came to a quiet end.
Gideon offers a lesson for all of us. Sometimes even doing the Lord’s will we can become enthralled with success and make self-focused decisions. Pride can sneak in, motivating us to step ahead of God. If we put self before submission, we risk stealing the glory from God.