Day 92 – Judges 8-9

Talking Points

• Gideon sees success because of God’s power. It appears that he has a new confidence as he leads.
• When Gideon captures two Midianite kings, the people of Israel ask him to rule over them as their king. Gideon refuses, reminding them that the LORD is to be their ruler.
• Gideon serves over a period of peace for 40 years.
• After Gideon’s death, Israel forgets what God has done and turns to worship false gods again. One of Gideon’s sons, Abimelech, makes a scheme to become the ruler. He takes money from the idol treasury and hires “worthless and reckless” men to kill all of Gideon’s other sons. The people of Shechem make Abimelech king. One remaining son, Jotham, warns the people there will be no real security with Abimelech. God brings about His punishment on the people of Shechem and on Abimelech.

Thoughts

Does it matter how we worship? Does it matter what we include in our worship? What about unbiblical music? What about churches, pastors, or sermons that “aren’t exactly right?” Isn’t it really just about the heart? Isn’t close enough good enough? Is saying anything different just a “spirit of religion”?

In the verses, Gideon takes some golden earrings from the spoils of battle and makes an ephod. This was a breast piece similar to a vest that was to be worn by the high priest. He places it in his home city of Ophrah, instead of Shiloh, the city God had ordained as the center of worship. Gideon was probably well-meaning, but made a false step in how God was worshiped. The Bible says the event became a “snare” to Gideon and his family. The word for snare means a trap, a noose, a cause of ruin. The event led the nation into idolatry and false worship. After Gideon’s death, his family is found literally in ruin. One false step mattered.

God is the God of truth. Jesus is actually called “the Truth.” We are told our worship is to be in “spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). And, so be sure, it absolutely matters how we worship! Words matter. Meanings matter. Context matters. And, yes, our hearts matter! Any deviation is not full worship. Any deviation can become a “snare.” Isn’t it just like Satan to want to steal God’s worship? Isn’t it just like him to try and corrupt even our praises?

Good news! We have the truth! We have the truth in Jesus. We have the truth revealed in the Word of God. We have the Spirit of Truth living inside us. So, we can worship — unashamed, unhindered, unfettered. We can worship!

“Come let us worship!” Psalm 95