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The Snare of “MIGHTY”
Rod ShimabukuroAnd Gideon made an ephod of it and put it in his city, in Ophrah. And all Israel whored after it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and to his family. Judges 8:27
After powerfully demonstrating his strength and rule by conquering the Midianites and possessing their property, Gideon becomes an apostate, rejecting the worship of God. The implication is that he is enthralled by his strength - his power - his rule - his accomplishments. He creates an ephod which eventually becomes the object of Israel’s demise - as they turned to worshiping on elf the Baal gods.
I just wrote of the Mighty Man of Valor - whom the Lord was with! It’s known in God’s Word that men of God - men of power can lead themselves, their families and followers away from God. The worship of self - accomplishments, prestige of power, the passionate lusts for greatness, the pursuit of pleasure can all add up to the fall of great leaders.
Today, as a man of God who desires to pursue God’s holy purposes and accomplish great things for God...
May I not be deceived into the pitfall of self reliance and centeredness! I can see how this can lead me or anyone who has been given influence, authority, position etc into failure. I’m not trying to say “I’m all that...!” OR that I’m somebody special. I do recognize that God has gifted me to be a man of valor for His Kingdom purposes - and I want to walk in and under HIs anointing! I don’t want to succumb to the snare of “might.”
May I be sooooooooo careful and discerning of the enemy of my flesh, pride, sin and the demonic influences. These enemies are at work to bring me down. But I’m still reminded that THE LORD IS WITH ME - for HE has made me a MIGHTY MAN OF VALOR for HIS PURPOSES!
Dear Mighty God!
Please help me to humble my heart and life under Your MIghty Hand and Heart! Please give me a discerning heart - for my own life and soul. May the temptations of might, position, prestige and all the works of my flesh ever overcome me. For I know, You are with me! Only You are MIghty!
