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.”
23 But Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the Lord shall rule over you.”
Judges 8:22-23 (NKJV)
As we live on earth and shine God’s light to the world, there is every tendency for people to see that light and paint us as extraordinary men who have done great things. This was the situation Gideon experienced in Judges 8. In Acts 14:11-13, the Apostle Paul and Barnabas were even called gods when the people saw the works of their hands in Lystra. In many other situations we have seen people ascribe to men the glory of the things they have seen through them.
Yesterday, we were able to conclude that we are vessels, bringing forth the things that God has given. But we are the ones that men see. So, in situations like these, where men give glory to men for the things of God, what do we do? We see here the response of Gideon. He directed their attention to God, saying that the Lord shall rule over them, not himself. We saw this same attitude with Paul and Barnabas, they directed the people to God, for it is by Him these things have become a reality.
Matthew tells us to let our light shine, so that men may see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. The challenge here is that when men see our good works, many do not know to glorify God, who they cannot see. They would rather glorify the man they can see. But, the glory is supposed to be for God, and that is why it is important that as God works mighty works through us as vessels, we must always remember to direct their attention to God, and not ourselves. We are only the vessel, not the one who carried out the work. Therefore, we must learn to glorify God who works through us, and direct people’s focus to Him, and not ourselves.
PRAYER
Thank you Jesus for making me a vessel to show forth your good works. Help me not to take the glory for myself as you work through me, but to direct people back to you in all ways. That Flesh is not glorified in me
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