Regarding What We Give Away to Others…

Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, “Rule over us, you and your son and your grandson also, for you have saved us from the hand of Midian. (Judges 8:22, ESV)

The Israelites were willing to give away their sovereignty, submit to the rulership of Gideon and his son because they were so thankful to them for giving victory over their enemy. They did not consider their victory coming from God, nor praise him for what he had done through Gideon and his sons, but only saw the human agent and quickly agreed to give humans ruler over them, asking Gideon to be their king and sovereign. This was the first recorded instance of Israel asking for a king to rule over them. Of course, Gideon refused their offer and told them “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the LORD will rule over you.” (8:23).  

This story can make us think about the times and ways we willingly give our freedoms away to human agents. Where God has done something great for us through a human presence. Not that Gideon nor his son nor grandson would have been intentionally harmful or oppressive of the people. Gideon was not mean-spirited in that way he was a man of God in every way; however, he was still attracted to the invitation of holding some kind of power. Anytime we are subject to human ruling we are also vulnerable to human failings and sin issues.

Though God will use human agents to secure triumph, success or breakthrough, God is the one who gives us victory and our allegiance always belongs to him. If we owe a debt of gratitude it is to God and not humans. We should never willingly and freely subject ourselves to human rule or giving up our sovereignty and freedoms to humans.

When people have helped us overcome something, secure a victory, or experience a breakthrough it’s normal we want to show gratitude and express thanks, but that is different from giving away what only God should own: ourselves. Let’s Pray

Lord, we should watch that. Our freedoms are precious and even when people help us experience breakthroughs and victories, we should never invite them to rule over us in any manner. Amen   

Reflective Questions for Self and Soul-Tending:

Have you ever given away your power or rights to someone just because they helped you experience something you needed help with or were instrumental in securing a needed victory or success?

How will you apply today’s message into your plan of self or soul-care?