Then Gideon made it into an ephod and set it up in his city, Ophrah. And all Israel played the harlot with it there. It became a snare to Gideon and to his house. Judges 8:27
Gideon had just defeated the Midianite Kings. He then asked his men for all the earrings and other gold items they had taken or possessed. (Red Flag) Once melted down he had it made into the shape of an ephod, the overgarment the priest wore. Hum??? Maybe it was just to remind them of their victory, but it soon became an object of worship, thus disobedience. Most of the memorials that God requested were made of stones. Maybe he was thinking He would show better thanks with gold, or perhaps just a “hint” of pride. Trying to honor God with something made of man’s pride led to their downfall.
The glory always belongs to Jesus, and He usually doesn’t display Himself in gold and silver, the measure of the world’s wealth, but by humility, sacrificial blood and praise to His Father. Wonder what we would do if, if by prayer and fasting, we were able to overcome the evils of government in our world. Would we rise up in praise of our strength and cunning victory or would we bow in praise to Him who gave us the victory. Would the pride of victory cause us to take away free choice? God never forced the Israelites to obey and serve. It was always an offer with a promise, then a choice. Victory came from the choice to obey. Do I blame my lack of victory on God, or on my lack of obedience? Do I dictate to Jesus what victory should look like? Do I think victory means a future of forced, regulated, legislated choices (my expected choices), or do I celebrate His victories, give Him glory, and offer good choices to those around me knowing they are still free to choose obedience or disaster?
Jesus, I so want others to make the choices that I see available in Your Word. Yes, I even want to force those choices upon them. But You didn’t, and I can’t!! When a victory comes, do I want to take just a little credit and hang a banner that points 90% to You, but keeps 10% for myself! My ephod may not be made of gold, but it may just as easily be an attitude hidden in the corner of my heart that says, “Yes! I obeyed, and some of that success is because of me!! God, forgive me! Cleanse me of all unrighteousness and remind me that, ALL, ALL, ALL the Glory belongs to YOU!!!!
Journey with Joyce 