Judges 8:18-9:21; Luke 23:44-24:12; Psalm 99:1-9; Proverbs 14:9-10
There is something called muscle memory. It is the automatic reflex to do something out of habit or conditioning. Humans suffer from this condition. Throughout the Book of Judges, we see this repeatedly. Gideon had just died and his sons were given the honor of leading Israel.
One of Gideon’s other sons, from his concubine, tried to usurp the other brothers. He led a coup against the 70 brothers and killed all of them, except one. What an act of disrespect to the memory and legacy of Gideon. Their quick descent into lawlessness came as a result of their turning away from the God who delivered them.
Before his death, Gideon took the gold from the Ishmaelite’s and made an ephod. It was an item worn by the priest as He served before the Lord. The Israelites started worshipping the Ephod and not the God for whom it was made. They moved from the Ephod to worshipping foreign gods. Why? Because they could! Plain and simple!
There are many things that we can do, but it does not mean that we should. Are your actions today faithful to the God who has done so much for you? Are you living your life maintaining the honor of your God? Are you, by your actions, telling God that you reject His help?
Israel learned that even though they rejected God, they soon had to return to Him and ask for help. Why not stay connected to God so that He is always near and moving on your behalf? That’s the best way to live!
Tomorrow’s Reading: Judges 9:22-10:18; Luke 24:13-53; Psalm 100:1-5; Proverbs 14:11-12