Gideon’s Mistake
Thursday, June 15
Gideon’s Mistake
Gideon made a sacred ephod from the gold and put it in Ophrah, his hometown. But soon all the Israelites prostituted themselves by worshiping it, and it became a trap for Gideon and his family. Judges 8:27
In Judges 8 Gideon returned a victor, but it wasn’t enough. Perhaps Gideon was flush with so much success, instead of resting in God’s will, he lapsed in judgement and forgot his Source.
God had called Gideon to defeat the Midianites, and because of his victory the Israelites hailed Gideon as their king. We see a glimmer of hope as Gideon refused this place of honor (see Judges 8:23); however, he took the plunder from the victory and fashioned an ephod (see Judges 8:27. On the surface this might not seem harmful, but an ephod was to only be worn by the high priest in the tabernacle. Rebelling against God, Gideon not only had another ephod made but also put it on display in the city. And this is the beginning of the cycle we read so many times in the book of Judges.
Gideon’s story comes to an anti-climactic, yet chilling ending here in Judges 8. After Gideon made this ephod, Scripture records these sad words, “…all the Israelites prostituted themselves by worshiping it, and it became a trap for Gideon and his family.” (Judges 8:27).
Gideon made a big mistake. Success, victory can often do just that – 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.
Yet, in this occurrence Gideon offers a lesson for all of us. Sometimes even doing the Lord’s will we can become engrossed 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.
If only he had watched where God was leading. This is a lesson I want to learn well.
Prayer for today: Lord, any success I have or will ever achieve is from You alone. Please forgive me for even monetarily stealing your glory. I want to live to make You famous. Keep me humbled so that I am reminded to life You high. In Jesus’ name, Amen.