Thoughts for another day

Nov. 30, 2012.

Today's verse: Judges 8:23. And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you. (KJV)

(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

People are too easily swayed by those who're stars among them; like, pop stars, top achievers in any field of sport, or even charismatic political or otherwise leaders and so on.  Over a period of time, people literally deify them and even call them 'god'.  In my country India, there's a cricket player to whom many do obeisance as 'god'; even the media calls him god, increasing his enigma; and all the people, display real sycophant herd mentality and literally bow at his feet.

Gideon too was a hero in Israel: he had just destroyed the Midianites who were thorns in the flesh of the Israelites and had set them free from their oppression.   The Israelites were greatly pleased with Gideon because of this and requested him to be their king.  They had no qualms to give him the glory and renown for what he had done, but God; yea, God who went with Gideon and destroyed the Midianites for him, they didn't even think of.  Far from their minds was the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  They knew Gideon wouldn't have been able to do anything unless God helped him, but they didn't tell Gideon, 'let us celebrate before God and give Him honor for the great work He did for us.'  Rather they wanted to honor Gideon.

But Gideon knew of the Lord's great work; he clearly knew the victory on which he stood, was God's work.  He knew how with just 300 men, God had given them the victory.  He had felt God's breath over him on the battlefield as the battered troops of Midian fled from there!  As he looked upon the victory, Gideon let his arms go down and answered the people, 'I can't rule over you, nor shall my son, except God the LORD, He is your Ruler!'  An answer which perhaps, stunned them into silence and made them see their folly.  Such is the answer of a man who has seen God at close quarters and knows His Sovereignty and Power.  If you have never given anyone even an iota of the Awesome Glory that belongs only to God, then you too are His child and God will rule over you with joy.