Putting People on a Pedestal

Then the Israelites said to Gideon, "Rule over us, you and your son and your grandson also; for you have delivered us out of the hand of Midian." Gideon said to them, "I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the Lord will rule over you." Judges 8: 22-23 NRSV

Sometimes I think God was too specific when we were told not to have any kind of idol to worship. This is because time and again we don't worship statues but people.

God didn't want many troops to win over the Midians because God realized the people would begin to feel superior and think it was because of their own might that they defeated their enemies. That is why he decreased the number of soldiers. Despite this precaution, the people still don't give God the glory. Instead, they see Gideon as their savior.

Now they want Gideon to rule over them, not just be their judge and general. Gideon tries to get them to see that it is God who is to be ruler. However, it is interesting that he doesn't try to get them to see that God is their savior. In fact, right after this he gets greedy and wants payment in the form of golden earrings that he fashions into a golden box which later becomes something people worship.

God is just not given the glory. This in turn leads to the down fall of Gideon, his family and the people of Israel.

I think that God is constantly acting in our lives, making impossible things happen and continually doing things to save us. However, we don't see it. Just like the people coming to Gideon to ask him to rule over them, we tend to see other people as the hero. We put people on a pedestal rather than give Glory to God.

God, we give you the glory and the praise! You save us time and again and we forget to glorify you. Thank you for your saving grace that is active and alive today. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Question for the day: Where have you given people credit rather than God?

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims