June 17, 2021 | Judges 8

Read Judges 8

Scripture- Judges 8:27-  Gideon made the gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family.

Observation- Gideon said all the right things. He refused to be their king. However, the pride that was built up in his heart couldn’t be kept down. He had the people donate gold and made an ephod. An ephod was part of the garment that priests wore to inquire of God. Gideon’s subtle message to the people was that they didn’t have to go to a priest for answers from God. They could come straight to him. The only problem? God set up the process to go through the priests. Gideon wasn’t okay not being “the guy”.

Application- It has been said that pride is the carbon monoxide of sin. You don’t even know it is there until it kills you. I need to have my pride detector on to be aware of it. Am I okay not being “the guy”? If people go to someone else for the help they need, am I okay with that? Do I say that I don’t want the credit but then get bitter when I don’t receive the credit? Do I remember that all I have comes from God and that his strength gives me success? Lord, empty me of the pride that kills! What grace, patience, and care my Savior-God has for me. 

Prayer- Father, you know my prideful heart and how prone I am to take credit that is due you. Help me identify that pride today. Then get rid of it for me. Let me realize that everything I have comes from you, and that it is only by your power and strength that I succeed. Thank you for your love, patience, and care that you have for me. Amen.