Judges 8:22–23 (ESV): 22 Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, “Rule over us, you and your son and your grandson also, for you have saved us from the hand of Midian.” 23 Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the Lord will rule over you.”
The Lord is the only one who can properly rule over us. He alone deserves that throne. We must not look to man for our governance but to God. He will lead us perfectly!
After Gideon overcame the Midianites, the people of Israel asked him to rule over them. Although he declined, he did ask for their earrings of gold. They obliged and Gideon made an ephod from them that weighed around fifty pounds. He set it up in his town of Ophrah and the people of Israel “whored after it.” It became a snare to Gideon and his family. Although He declined to rule over the people he did set himself above them. He did not finish well.
Do you desire to have a man rule over you? Paul reminds us to put no confidence in the flesh (Phil 3:3). Man will always let us down. Even good men put in places of ultimate authority will be tempted to depart the ways of the Lord. Exalt God as your ruler. Honor the leaders He puts in place but only allow Him to rule over you, lest you set yourself up for failure. Look to King Jesus alone! He is the one we are to follow. Amen?
Father, we thank You for ruling over us. Help us to never give Your throne to anyone else. You alone must rule over us. Lead us in Your will and help us to beware of the snares that lie in our path we pray in Jesus' name, amen.
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