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Taking Praise or Giving Praise
Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, “Rule over us, both you and your son, and your grandson also; for you have delivered us from the hand of Midian.” 23 But Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the Lord shall rule over you.” Judges 8:38-40 NKJV
Remember those times in life, most would say very few times in their lives, when the tide of popularity turned in your favor?
Perhaps, you were the belle of the ball, the star on the playing field, the one who had the answer to the group’s problem. The exultation was heady, wasn’t it? There you were in the midst of the acclaim of the community. Somewhere in there, however, you knew that heady feeling would be fleeting.
If you were a Christian, you would have realized that all knowledge, help, and ability came from God to you as a gift.
It was given to you to use wisely. What you do next is key.
Perhaps you gave God credit, and did use that gift wisely.
It was so for Gideon as well. The battle goes in the Israelites’ favor led by God using Gideon.
The men of Israel realize that they are free of the Midianites.
They praise Gideon and tell him that they want him to rule over them.
They go so far as to say they not only want Gideon in charge, but after his time, they want his son, and then his grandson, to rule over them.
Gideon then says that he will not rule over them, nor will his descendants rule over them.
He reminds them that the Lord will rule over them!
May we always give the glory to God and take none for ourselves.
Our help comes only from the Lord.
Sadly, Gideon will not always give glory to God, but in this moment, he points all Israel in the right direction of following God, and giving Him the praise.
May we all always do likewise for all of our lives.
Many will take the accolades and fame, the credit and glory when it is always, only belonging to God.
Many don’t even momentarily give credit to God, as Gideon did that day, in that spot, at least in that minute.
May God help us to do all things for God, and not for ourselves. The praise of men is fickle and forgetful. It is a tarnishing glory.
May we give all praise and love to God our Father from Whom All Goodness, Blessing, Grace, Help, and Ability come.
With all of our strength, through all our lives, may we reflect back to God the Glory Due unto His Holy Name.