Judges 8
Gideon was a leader that called while in sifting wheat in a winepress (chapter 6). The process of sifting wheat required a breeze. The sifter would toss the wheat up in the air. The wind would blow the bad parts away and the good portions would fall back into the sifter's tray. Gideon was sifting wheat underground before he was scared of the Midianites. Judges 8 portrays a much different Gideon.
When the transformation of Jesus Christ invades my life, people should see a much different version of me.
When I'm tired (or frustrated), I still need to pursue God's mission. Verse 4 says that Gideon was exhausted, yet he pursued. They had a mission not yet completed. He stopped in Succoth and asked for food but receiving nothing. I have sleep apnea. My sleep has been horrible for the past several months and I'm working with my doctor to re-evaluate my treatment. I know what it means to be tired. As I write this devotion, it is late morning. I'm ready for a nap. I am also aware exhaustion can cause irrational responses toward other people. Let's be intentionally aware of what exhausts us and not allow it to distract from God's mission.
Maintain Godly confidence because human confidence destroys other people. In verses 4-17, Gideon was a relentless leader for Israel. While he chased after two leaders, he annihilated another city. The confidence displayed in Gideon's life is much different than we see at the beginning of Gideon's story. I wonder if all the death was necessary. Was Gideon teaching lessons or reacting from physical weakness? Was he going to prove that he couldn't be pushed around by his enemies any longer? It's okay to display confidence in our life. It's vital that confidence comes from God.
Be careful what you ask for! God might allow you to have it. In verse 22, Israel wanted Gideon to serve as king. He response was to allow the Lord to rule over them. Eventually, God allowed another human to rule over Israel in his place. Nothing good happened in Israel after that moment. Israel has missed out on God's complete blessing ever since that moment.
Spiritual victories can be followed by spiritual valleys. In verse 27, Gideon collected gold and made an Ephod. He wasn't a priest and I doubt he needed a gold coat. Where would he wear it that didn't draw attention to himself? Gideon was deceived by the events of his life and restored the false worship that he removed in chapter 6. The text says "all Israel whored after it." Spiritual adultery. Unfaithfulness. Prostitution. Gideon fell into a trap that tainted his mission. Leaders fall during the vulnerability of a spiritual valley. Lord Jesus, would you protect me from whoring after anything dishonoring to you? Please forgive me for any sin in my life that makes me guilty of spiritual adultery.
Fellow Christian, we can learn from Gideon's life. Responding correctly is important. Reacting carefully is also important. Let's press forward in God's mission together.