Judges_8

ScriptureJudges 8:27Gideon made the gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family.

Observation - What does it say?

After the incredible victory God had given Gideon, defeating with 300 men an army of 135,000! Gideon asked the men to each give him a gold ring from their share of the plunder, which he made into an ephod (a usually elaborate, sleeveless garment worn by priests). That ephod led not only a few people, but all Israel to turn from worshiping God to worship it instead.

 

Understanding - What does it mean?

Your decisions never just affect you.

 

Our decisions aren’t made in a vacuum or apart from our family, community, and those around us. Whether good or bad, they always will have an impact on others. Someone once said to me, “You are always leading people, you decide where.”

 

Gideon’s radical obedience to God throughout the story led to all of Israel being delivered from their enemies and set free, experiencing peace for 40 years! An amazing legacy! The shame is that he also led all of Israel to worship an idol he created. That idol ended up turning Israel away from God, but specifically became a snare for him and his family.

 

Life Application

 

God, help me to honor you and follow hard after you. I don’t just want to talk about living for you, but I want my example to line up with my teaching. Use me to influence others toward you and, and by your grace keep me from leading others astray. Amen.

 

- Levi Thompson