“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.’ Gideon said to them, ‘I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the Lord will rule over you.’ As soon as Gideon died, the people of Israel turned again and whored after the Baals and made Baal-berith their god. And the people of Israel did not remember the Lord their God, who had delivered them from the hand of all their enemies on every side, and they did not show steadfast love to the family of Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) in return for all the good that he had done to Israel.” (v22-23,33-35)
Gideon was clearly a humble man, even after he had helped defeat all the kings of Midian. Remember how he was the youngest son of the lowliest family in his tribe? When God delivered Israel’s oppressors into Gideon’s hands, he did not become prideful or believe he had earned any standing with the people of Israel (he declined being ruler/king of Israel, despite the fact he probably could have done it).
The most disappointing part of the chapter is when once more, Israel turns to other gods immediately after the death of Gideon. The moment their positive influence was gone, their old habits returned. Do we have problems with returning behavior in our lives? Perhaps we have a bad habit or addiction that rears it head every so often, even once we think it’s no longer a problem.
This returning to old ways is exactly why this passage is so important: “I appeal to you therefore, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom 12:1-2)
I’m not an expert in psychology (or anything else to say the least), though to a layman it appears Israel was not experiencing “transformation of their hearts” or “renewal of their minds”. They seemed to be very letter-of-the-law people, and as soon as the law was no longer enforced, they followed their original hearts and minds.
So how do we experience the transformation and renewal required, so we can stop repeating old sinful habits, and begin following Jesus more closely? By presenting our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, worshiping Him from our innermost being, and trusting in His mercy and grace. As simple as that may sound, it certainly isn’t easy, because it requires the humility of Gideon (and Moses, and Joshua, etc). It requires a complete surrender to God, and a complete disregard for our sinful flesh (including our pride). Since we’re not able to overcome our flesh on our own, we need to ask for God’s help there also.
Father God, our gracious and compassionate King, holy is Your name. Your might and mercy are beyond compare, and we humbly request Your help in becoming even more humble. Father please put our pride and entire sinful nature to death on a cross. Please help us to fully submit ourselves to You, as living sacrifices, holy and devoted to You alone. Please help us to obey You consistently, and have no other gods before You, for You are deserving of our undivided attention. Spirit please guide us each and every moment so we may follow the Father’s will over our own. In the name of Jesus Christ, our living hope, who broke the bonds of sin, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training