READ:
JUDGES 8:22-35
Today’ our
text centres on the battle between Satan and Gideon. Let us get started by
examining verse 22: “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.” After the conquest by Gideon, Satan got
into the hearts of the children of Israel to make them urge Gideon to become
their king. Satan instigated them to
say that it was Gideon that saved them. In Judges 8:23, Gideon reacted. “But
Gideon said to them, I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you;
the LORD shall rule over you.” One would have thought that Gideon
escaped the jab of Satan here. Actually, Satan was ready to give a hook. He
made Gideon make a special garment made of gold and accept to become the
people’s priest. Gideon was perfectly tricked and he fell to the wiles of
Satan. The garment made by Gideon soon became a god to Israelites. May Satan
never overcome us. Let us also consider Samson’s example. Satan actually gave
Samson many jabs. Let us start from Judges 16:6: “So Delilah said to Samson, Please
tell me where your great strength lies, and with what you may be bound to
afflict you.” This was a straightforward statement. Delilah told him
her intention of knowing the source of his power. Samson also knew that it was
Satan at work but he thought he was up to the challenge, that he could win the
battle. This is how many people start the backsliding process. They know what
they are up to is bad but believe they can overcome it. Such attitudes include
thinking that sipping a glass of beer is not very bad minor thefts here and
there, as long as you are not caught. These attitudes are jabs from Satan, but
intention of Satan is not to get you with these little jabs. He is already
looking ahead for the hook and the knockout punch.
MEMORIZE:
MATTHEW 11:12 –And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of
heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.
