DECEMBER 30, Judges 8:24-27 

So far, we’ve read that Gideon was a godly and brave man. Just yesterday, we learn the lesson of humility from Gideon. But was this man perfect? Far from it! No man, except Jesus, is perfect. Today, we read of Gideon requesting his people to give him their golden earrings and all the valuable items taken from defeated enemies. The people were so grateful to Gideon and happy to be free of their enemies, that they gladly gave him the gold. The total weight of the gold was 1,700 shekels of gold which is about 10 kilograms. That is a lot of precious gold!

Gideon used the gold to make an ephod, a special garment for priests. Did God call Gideon to be a priest? Did God order him to make the ephod of gold? No! Why then did he make that ephod? Pride! It was like a commemorative medal for him. He kept it in his hometown at Ophrah so that the people of Israel could admire and praise him for driving their oppressors out.

Dear child, do you think it was a good idea to make this golden ephod? We will soon find out. The Bible describes it as a ‘snare’ or a trap. Often, animals are trapped and killed for food. The ephod was probably a beautiful thing that attracted many. Tragically, its beauty became a trap for many who began to worship the ephod instead of the true and living God! They went one big circle back to idolatry after being delivered from God’s punishment for their idolatry!

Prosperity made Gideon so proud that he foolishly built an idol. Beware of pride. It can blind you spiritually.

Thought: No man is perfect, except Jesus.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be careful not to make anyone or anything an idol that I worship. At the same time, I pray I’d be careful not to be proud so that I won’t make the mistake Gideon made. I also pray for my church, family and friends. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.