Title

We Need Some Gideons

Scripture
Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you . . . the Lord shall rule over you.”
(Judges 8:23)
Devotional
This is what made Gideon a mighty man of valor. He knew the Lordship of his God and he knew that only the Lord was to rule over His people. The sinful nature of man desires to be ruled by man, instead of being subject to God. We, like ancient Israel, want to be governed like the rest of the world. This is the reason mankind is so easily duped by the tyrants of the world. We want to follow someone who will make our decisions and care for our needs without our having to take any responsibility for the results. Whenever we decide to choose a ruler who does not follow the Lord God, we are choosing a fool. Furthermore, we are likewise foolish. We must never sell out to convenience or a social stipend. This is the cause of the welfare of our day. Instead of following the Lord, we want to be led by man. Therefore, we need some Gideons. We need some mighty men of valor.
Text For The Day
Judges 8:23:  Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you…the Lord shall rule over you.”
 
Thought For The Day
“Mankind is so fallen that no man can be trusted with unchecked power over his fellows. Aristotle said that some people were only fit to be slaves. I do not contradict him. But I reject slavery because I see no men fit to be masters.” C.S. Lewis, “Equality,” Essay Collection. 
Questions To Ponder
Morning Study Guide
Defining: You can lord over, but the godly rule under. They rule under authority (Luke 7:8-9); they rule by example (1 Timothy 4:12) and they rule with mercy (James 2:13).
 
Referencing: “The Lord said to Samuel, ‘Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but  they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them,’”
1 Samuel 8:7.
 
Applying: Remember to “rule” is not to “lord,” but to lead by meeting the needs of those God has placed under your care as His delegated authority.