What Does Gideon Have To Do With The 2012 Election?

God is so good.

His timing is perfect.

I’m doing a Chronological Study of the Bible.

Two days after the presidential election I came to Judges 8.  

Amazing account of what God can do with a small number of devoted followers. But that’s not what stood out to me.

Verses 22-23 did, “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 the Midians.” But Gideon Said, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the Lord shall rule over you.”” 

Get it?

Israel wanted a KING! 

Not just to rule over them, but to protect them. 

Gideon put them in their place- GOD was their KING!

How quickly they forgot.

God had just delivered THOUSANDS of men to them with only 300! 

But instead of realizing God was the one who protected, guided and ruled…they wanted a man! 

Gideon’s reply is rare in this world. 

He was offered the position of king and he turned it down while pointing the people to the true KING- God.

After prayer, meditation and communing with God, I think one of the reasons Romney lost the election because so many placed their hope in a man and not God. 

I’m not saying everyone did this, but I think many did and it did not please God.

He is our provided, our shield, our portion, our deliverer, our strong tower. 

He is our EVERYTHING! 

Not man.

Man cannot fix this nation…only God can.

Tough times are coming in the next four years.

I am reminded of these words by Thomas Paine, “These are the times that try men’s souls.”

 

Only by the grace of God can we, not only endure, but also flourish. 

You may think I’m being dramatic. 

If so, I encourage you to seek God. Delve into the scripture like never before and learn history.

But I don’t want to scare you. Instead, I want to encourage and inspire you. 

While the road ahead will be long and perilous we, as the Body of Christ, are going to grow to heights unknown in our generation…if we seek God. 

“Without the burden of afflictions it is impossible to reach the height of grace. The gifts of grace increase as the struggles increase.” St. Rose of Lima

History epiphany: After reading the account of Gideon turning down the throne, I can’t help but realize George Washington must have been very familiar with this passage of scripture. He too turned down becoming King of the United States when it was offered to him. Read George Washington’s Sacred Fire by Peter A. Lillback.

Question:

What has God been speaking to you about the election and/or the upcoming 4 years?