Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

A Daily Devotional by Kenton Cheek

1 April 2024

Reading From Judges 8-9

But Gideon told them, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The Lord will rule over you.” And he said, “I do have one request, that each of you give me an earring from your share of the plunder.” (It was the custom of the Ishmaelites to wear gold earrings.)

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.

No sooner had Gideon died than the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals. They set up Baal-Berith as their god and did not remember the Lord their God, who had rescued them from the hands of all their enemies on every side. They also failed to show any loyalty to the family of Jerub-Baal (that is, Gideon) in spite of all the good things he had done for them.

–Judges 8:23-24, 27, 33-35

     Gideon, like the rest of us, was not a perfect man.  Eventually his pride overtook his humility and he fashioned a trophy for himself out of some of his spoils from battle.  Much like celebrities today, people began to worship this trophy.  In polite conversation, we refer to diverse religions as differing views, but this is not how the Most High God sees it.  Worship of other gods is called prostitution by Yahweh.  Our God is a jealous God and will not share His glory with any false god.

     The legacy of Gideon breaks my heart but it is not uncommon in history.  Immediately after the great leader died, the nation of Israel turned to worshipping the gods and goddesses of the surrounding people groups and they did not honor his family.  How quickly people forget what has been done for them by others.  The ingratitude is heart-rendering.  What is so puzzling about this is that the Israelites had begged Gideon, his son and grandson to rule over them.  And now both Gideon and his God are forgotten by their very own people, whom Yahweh called His treasured possession. 

“Lord, help me to focus all of my adoration on You.  Let me not be distracted by other false gods and idols.  Remind me to give honor where honor is due and to be grateful for what others have done for me.  I pray that I will show my gratitude in practical ways.  Amen.”

Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.  –Romans 13:7