Tuesday Reflection – September 01, 2020
Jehovah-Nissi

In Genesis 17 we read of Joshua leading the Israelites in battle against the Amalekites. While the battle raged, Moses stood on a hill overlooking and praying with the staff of God held high. When his hands became tired and began to lower, the Israelite army began to lose so Moses sat on a stone and Aaron and Hur held his hands up. After the victory of Israel, Moses built an altar and called it Jehovah-Nissi, The Lord is my banner. Through today’s watchword let us explore the importance of the Lord as a banner to the world. On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples. Isaiah 11: 10. The word translated signal in the text, is also translated ensign and banner in other translations.

It is believed that this prophecy of Isaiah 11: 10 was partially fulfilled in the lifetime of King Hezekiah who we read about in 2 Kings 18. He restored the Jewish religion, rebelled against the oppressive Assyrians and recaptured territories taken by the Philistines. His reform became a banner of encouragement and hope to many Jews who had been living in other lands and they returned home. As Christians we know that the complete fulfilment of this prophecy took place in the life of Jesus our Lord, described both as the root and the offspring (branch) of David in Rev 22: 16 I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star. Jesse was the father of David who was an ancestor of Jesus. As the divine, he was the root, the one from whom all things flowed. John 1: 3 reminds us that nothing was created without Christ. As a human being he was the descendant or branch of the family tree of Jesse. A banner or ensign is a signal, a rallying point, a symbol of unity. Jesus as a banner, signal or ensign, becomes that which unites us together under God. At a time when many are uniting under flags of social justice, at a time when many are uniting under flags of racial divide, at a time when many are uniting under flags of political affiliation, at a time when many are competing scientifically to be world leaders, this serves as a timely reminder that God’s children ought to be one under the banner of Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink [a]into one Spirit. 1 Cor 12: 13.     

May today’s watchword therefore caution us: to be Christians first, before being anything else; to cautiously weigh the consequences of our words and actions before we speak and act; and, to let Christ be seen and experienced through us in all our daily encounters, even in politics and the fight for social justice.  Only when the banner of Christ is held high, is esteemed above all else, will there be true and lasting change in our world. Finally friends, let us remember, we all have a part to play. Some are engaged in the physical battle against evil, other battle spiritually through prayer and still others give physical, moral and other support to those who are battling. None of us can be deadbeats. There is work for all to do. Jesus Christ is our Jehovah-Nissi. The banner has been lifted up. The rallying cry has gone out. Let us march forth under the banner of our Lord for only then can we be the changers and movers that Christ calls us to be. Remember we are in the world but not of the world and as such we ought to be different as we encourage godliness in all around us. Indeed this is how we draw people to God while we prepare the world for our Savior’s return. Amen.   

Bevon White 

Monday Reflection – August 31, 2020
Make a Joyful Shout!

Know that the Lord is God.  It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100:3

Today’s Psalm is yet another well-known and beloved one. I recall repeating this Psalm regularly in Sunday School and Primary School. Psalm 100 is simply titled, ‘A Psalm of Thanksgiving’ and it is the only Psalm in the collection to bear this title. It speaks of an invitation to the whole earth to know and to worship God. For G. Campbell Morgan, Psalm 100 is jubilant with confidence for the whole earth, as it contemplates the glory of that earth, when all its people are submitted to the reign of Jehovah.

The Psalmist begins by summoning all people from everywhere to make a joyful shout to the Lord; to serve God with gladness; and to come before his presence with singing. Unlike previous Psalms, Psalm 100 does not begin with a declaration of God’s sovereignty or character. Rather, it begins with the simple and direct exhortation to all to praise God. Nations beyond Israel’s borders should give a joyful shout. The nations must recognize who the Lord is. He is Yahweh, by whose grace and blessings his people exist. All should join in singing in God’s presence.

David does not just summon the whole earth to praise God, but provides the reason. God is our Creator and Shepherd. So he says in today’s Watchword, “Know that the Lord is God.  It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” The praise offered to God from his people and all lands should be mindful. We have many reasons to worship Yahweh, and those reasons begin with the recognition that he is God. Our praise should be grounded in our recognition of who God is; such knowledge ought to be a pre-requisite of our praise. We must know and be convinced of who God is.

The next reason to worship God is because he has made us; he is to be recognized for his work as Creator. The idea that we could make ourselves is absurd, and we should worship the one who has made us. This implies that God has every right over us, thus we should willingly give him his due. On another level, believers have a second and greater reason for praise for we are new creatures in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Yet another reason to worship God is because we are his people and the sheep of his pasture. God has chosen us to be his people and he cares for us as the sheep of his pasture. Though wayward we often are, God treats us as his own, his beloved. Our Great Shepherd paid the ultimate sacrifice by rescuing and redeeming us through the blood of Jesus Christ. We are priviledged not just to be created by God, but to be called his own. These are sufficient reasons to raise a song of praise and make a joyful shout. Hallelujah!!!

Jermaine Gibson 

Thursday Reflection

August 27, 2020

Protected

“He protected us along the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed.” Joshua 24:17

Good day friends!

Let me apologize for the absence of last week’s reflection.

Today we journey to the last chapter of the book of Joshua. In this chapter Joshua gathered the people of Israel, after successfully conquering the enemies in the Promised Land; they were now at peace. Joshua brought them together for one last rally speech as this chapter also tells us of his death. In this rally speech, Joshua reminded them of their history and where God took them from.

God took Abraham, their founding father, from the Euphrates and led him through Canaan, giving him many descendants through his son Isaac. Isaac was father to Jacob and Esau. It was through Jacob’s lineage they went to Egypt to survive a famine. However, whilst in Egypt they became slaves. God sent Moses and Aaron to rescue them from Egyptian slavery. The Egyptians pursued them but died at the Red Sea. He brought them through the land of the Amorites; He caused their enemy to bless them. God brought them across the Jordan and destroyed the enemies there. God gave them land they did not toil and houses they did not build.

As a result of all God did, Joshua encouraged the people to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully. Put away the idols of their ancestors and serve the Lord alone. But if doing so seemed unfavorable to them, Joshua was certain that at least he and his family would serve the Lord. Our text is found in the response of the people to Joshua. They responded, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods; it is the Lord who brought us up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight. He protected us along all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed.”

Friends as we reflect on this next I want us to reflect on our own lives. As we reflect on the years we have spent on this earth we have had good times and bad times. We have faced problems and difficult people to deal with. We have been on the road, for some different countries, but we are still here. We have experienced challenging times, faced so many attacks both spiritually and physically, but we are still here. We are here, because God protected us.

We have also experienced good times. We have experienced blessings that we did not thought was possible. We are alive today and reading/ listening to this reflection, because of God. We have been recipients of the provisions of God- home, friends, family, money (regardless of the amount), food, job (where applicable) and daily bread or provisions. We have received all these because we are protected by God.

The protection of the Lord is a complete package. He protects us from harm, this also includes providing for us what we NEED. Notice the need is in all caps? This is done to remind us that even though some of our wants are not met, our needs have been provided by God. So we are protected by God, just as the children of Israel were protected and provided for.

I end this reflection with a question. What is your response to the protection of the Lord? Is it fear and faithfulness or is it ignorance?

Until next week choose today how you will respond to the protection of the Lord

Shalom

Christopher Euphfa

Tuesday Reflection – August 25, 2020
Rejoice in God’s Salvation

Today’s watchword is from 1 Sam 2: 1. Lord, I rejoice in your salvation. It is part of Hannah’s prayer which she prayed when she brought Samuel to the temple in fulfilment of her promise to God. The birth of her son was for her the greatest gift she could receive and the surest confirmation that God heard her prayers. Hannah had promised the Lord that if he gave her a son, she would return that son to him as soon as he was weaned. He was about five or six years old when she returned to the temple with him. By this time, she had taught Samuel about the Lord, and now he was ready to be taught by Eli and be trained for his duties in the temple.
Hannah was able to rejoice because God had heard and answered her. Note however that her rejoicing was in much more than God’s blessing of a child. She was rejoicing in God’s salvation.

As Christians we understand what it means to speak of salvation. We know that God had a plan for the salvation of the world which was fulfilled in Jesus Christ life, death, resurrection and ascension and will be culminated in His return for the church on earth as He establishes His new kingdom. God’s plan has always been to save or deliver humanity from a life of, as well as the consequences of sin. God’s plan gives life where we deserved to die. Ez 18: 4 reminds us, Indeed! All lives are mine – the life of the father as well as the life of the son is mine. The one who sins will die. Although our sins made us deserve death, God put in place a plan for us to live. As a Hebrew, Hannah understood that no human could redeem her, neither could she redeem her son as much as she loved him. She knew the words Psalm 49: 7 ‘None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him. God’s plan was the yearly atonement sacrifice for Israel’s sin which pointed to the coming of the messiah who would be the ultimate sacrifice for humanity’s redemption. Hannah’s rejoicing was in knowing that regardless of what others did or said, God’s plan was the only certainty for Israel’s salvation, and that was all the assurance she needed.

Today I want to assure us that God’s plan for our salvation has not changed. Indeed Paul wrote: “God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we would become the righteousness of God.” 2 Cor 5: 21. Christ became the atoning sacrifice for our sins and our acceptance of Him as our Lord and Savior guarantees our salvation. It is such knowledge and acceptance that leads to our rejoicing today. In the midst of the turmoil of pandemic, injustice and disasters, we have the assurance of salvation. Don’t be distracted. We may need justice, we may need intervention, we may need a vaccine, but none of these needs surpass the need for salvation. Jesus himself promised in John 6: 37 “Whoever comes to me I will never drive away”. This is reason to rejoice. With all that’s happening around us, we are safe in our salvation; we are safe in our Lord. God gifted us with life eternal through Jesus Christ thus we can rejoice. John assures us in 1 John 5: 11 -12: And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. That’s just it friends. Salvation is not coming from a political system or from some politician. Salvation is not coming from a vaccine. No Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne and it is from Him alone that it comes. I urge us therefore to keep our focus and our hope on the Lord, the author and finisher of our faith, and like Hannah, let us rejoice in God’s salvation. Amen

Bevon White

Monday Reflection – August 24, 2020
God as Shepherd and Host
 
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Psalm 23:5
 
Undoubtedly, Psalm 23 is one of the most loved Psalms of David. Most persons believe that this Psalm was written at a time of David’s maturity, but with vivid remembrance of his youth as a shepherd. Henry Ward Beecher expresses the powerful impact of Psalm 23 in saying that “It has charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the world… It has comforted the noble host of the poor. It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. It has poured balm and consolation into the heart of the sick, of captives in dungeons, of widows in their pinching griefs, of orphans in their loneliness. Dying soldiers have died easier as it was read to them; ghastly hospitals have been illuminated; it has visited the prisoner and broken his chains.” Psalm 23 has made the dying Christian slave freer than his master, and consoled those left behind to mourn.
 
Psalm 23 affirms the Lord as Shepherd who sustains (vs. 1-2), and who leads (vs. 3). There is also the gift of the Shepherd’s presence, especially in the midst of the valley of the shadow of death, and in the presence of evil (vs. 4). Even in a fearful place, the presence of the shepherd banishes the fear of evil because we are under the Lord’s care. The shepherd’s presence does not eliminate the presence of evil, but certainly the fear of evil.
 
In today’s Watchword, David affirms the Lord as Host. Continuing with the previous picture of the valley of the shadow of death, David envisions the provision and goodness given by the Lord as a host who invites David to a rich table prepared for him. Clarke asserts that “A magnificent banquet is provided by a most liberal and benevolent host, who has not only the bounty to feed me, but power to protect me; and, though surrounded by enemies, I sit down to this table with confidence, knowing that I shall feast in perfect security.” Table suggests bounty; prepare suggests foresight and care; and before me suggests the personal connection. The table is set right in the midst of the presence of my enemies. The Host’s care and concern does not eliminate the presence of my enemies, but enables the experience of God’s goodness and bounty even in their midst. Not just that, but despite the dangers about and the presence of enemies, David enjoys the richness of his Host’s goodness. He is refreshed by a head anointed with oil; his cup is over-filled.

Jesus affirms this image of shepherd when de declared in John 10: 11 & 14 “I am the good shepherd”. Jesus also spoke of the Great Banquet in St. Luke 14. What a priviledge to have the Lord as our Shepherd and Host! Our Shepherd and Host sustains, leads, guides, protects, provides and blesses in overflowing measure. There is not a safer and better place to be than in the care of the Shepherd and Host. There goodness and mercy follow us forever.

May we seek after our Lord always and enjoy the pleasure of his shepherding and hosting. The result is abundant life in the here and now and eternal life in the next.

Jermaine Gibson 

Friday Reflection**August 21, 2020**Q & A with Jesus*

Hello Friends, HAPPY FRIDAY.I trust you are all keeping well and safe as we continue to battle with COVID 19 and all the other challenges 2020 brings. *Inspired by God, we continue to search the scriptures for comfort, light and life.* Whether relating to COVID 19 or not. We must remain steadfast , unmovable and rooted in the word of God!.*Walk with me today, as we reflect on this passage of scripture:*At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.*Matthew 18:1‭-‬3 NIV*https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.18.1-3.NIV*The focus today is on the question asked by the disciples and Jesus’ response* *The question:*They came to Jesus and asked, *‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’* This question comes after Jesus has already told his disciples twice about the suffering and death that awaits him in Jerusalem also, after he has told them that following him entails denying themselves and taking up the cross. Matthew Henry puts it this way: It seems that Jesus’ message has not truly penetrated the minds and hearts of the disciples. Perhaps they have heard the part about the kingdom of heaven drawing near, but they have not understood what kind of kingdom this is, for they are preoccupied with questions of their status in this kingdom.*The response:*In response, Jesus calls a child, places the child among them, and tells them that *unless they change and become as little children, they will never even enter the kingdom*. What does that even mean? Again, I like how Mr. Henry puts it, he says: As long as they are concerned about their own status, they have missed the point completely. A child in the ancient world was without status or rights, completely dependent on the good will of others to care for him or her. Notice that Jesus does not tell the disciples that they should have faith like a little child — as if they could bring about this kind of faith on their own –not all all, instead he said that they need to become like little children. Jesus further specifies what this means in the following verse: “Whoever humbles themselves like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven”.*With that said, I just want to say to us today:*1. Be mindful of the questions you are asking Jesus2. Listen keenly to his response3. Try to pay attention to the words and phrases in his response.4. Be careful that what you are asking of him isn’t selfish5. Do not get caught up with your agenda , you might miss out on the blessings that he has in store for you!. Have a good day!Stay safe! Stay true! BlessingsShaneka Raymore EuphfaBIBLE.COMMatthew 18:1-3 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of 

*Thursday Reflection*

*August 13, 2020*

*The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit in 1727*

*Good day friends!*

Today is marked as the August Thirteenth Festival, which is known for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on a group of Moravians at their Communion Service in Saxony (now known as Germany). Today I share the thoughts and reflections of Oswald J. Smith, a Canadian pastor and evangelist who wrote the book ‘The Spirit at Work’ and who also dedicated a chapter of this book to the Great Moravian Revival.

I read..

One of the greatest outpourings of the Spirit since the days of the Apostles occurred on Wednesday morning, August 13, 1727, among the Moravian Brethren at Herrnhut, Germany, on the estate of Count Zinzendorf, in Saxony. For centuries the followers of John Huss (1373-1415), the martyred Bohemian reformer, had endured persecution and death. Fleeing from imprisonment and torture, they at last found a refuge in Germany where Count Zinzendorf, a young Christian nobleman, offered them an asylum on his estates.

Speaking of what occurred that memorable thirteenth day of August, historians tell that they left the House of God “hardly knowing whether they belonged to earth or had already gone to Heaven.” Zinzendorf, in his description of it, says: “The Saviour permitted to come upon us a Spirit of whom we had hitherto (previously) not had any experience or knowledge. Hitherto (Until then) WE had been the leaders and helpers. Now the Holy Spirit Himself took full control of everything and everybody.”

All agreed that it was a definite, unmistakable outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the entire congregation, so wonderful that it was absolutely indescribable. The brethren had been judging one another; doctrinal disputes were common; heated arguments that threatened division and discord were the order of the day. Instead of love, bitterness. Instead of brotherly unity, strife.

“When God intends great mercy for His people,” says Matthew Henry, “the first thing He does is to set them apraying.” And so it was at Herrnhut. The more spiritual among them, utterly dissatisfied with themselves, commenced to cry mightily to God for help. That their prayer was answered, there is abundant proof.

*Salvation by Faith*

The first experience that the revived brethren constantly emphasized was a definite knowledge of salvation by faith in Christ alone. They made the discovery that the Church could not save them; that there was no salvation in its creeds, doctrines or dogmas; that good works, moral living, commandment keeping, praying and Bible reading, could not avail; much less culture, character or conduct. They found that Christ alone could save; that He was willing and able to receive sinners at a moment’s notice; that justification, the forgiveness of sins, the new birth, etc., were instantaneous experiences received the very moment a sinner believed on Christ; that salvation was through grace and by faith, apart from the deeds of the law; that when a man is saved he has peace with God, and that he receives the assurance of salvation by the witness of the Holy Spirit in his heart.

The second experience that came to the brethren was a personal anointing of the Holy Spirit for life and service. In the power of that anointing they went forth and accomplished impossible tasks.

*Results of the Outpouring*

The first of the two great results was hymns and spiritual songs. Most of their hymns are prayers to Christ. Many of them are expressions of joy and gratitude for what He has done.

The other outstanding result of the Moravian revival at Herrnhut was a vision of worldwide missions.

In the West Indies, among the North American Indians, on the cold, bleak shores of Greenland, far away in Africa, as well as in South America, and practically every country in Europe and Asia, the Moravians planted the cross and won thousands of souls to Jesus Christ. It was the spirit expressed in their leader’s great motto that inspired them: “I have one passion,” exclaimed Zinzendorf, “it is Jesus, Jesus only.”

*What about Us?*

But now arises the question: What about us? Do we need a revival? What is the greatest need of the Church of our day? Men, machinery, money, organization? No. The supreme need of the hour is a mighty outpouring of the Holy Ghost. Oh that there might come upon us a spirit of prayer such as came upon the brethren at Herrnhut over two centuries ago, that we, too, both individually and as a Church, might experience an anointing of the Holy Spirit that would cause the world to wonder at the “signs following!” God grant it may be so!

*Arranged from The Spirit At Work by Oswald J. Smith.*

*Until next week let us pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit*

*Shalom*

*Christopher Euphfa*

Wednesday Reflection, August 12, 2020

Greetings friends, today’s reflection draws our attention to 1 Kings 8. In this chapter we see the leadership, wisdom and obedience of King Solomon on display. The chapter has 66 verses. Solomon prays a prayer of dedication from verses 22-61. One I encourage you to read on your own.

You see friends, prayer isn’t just something that we do. It ought to be how we act, how we think, how we live because our lives of a truth must offer adoration to God, daily we are called to confess our sins, to give thanks unto the Almighty and to seek Him earnestly.

So the Ark was brought into the temple and it would appear this chapter details the very first dedication ceremony. Solomon was mindful of the promises the Lord made to his father David. He understood that one has to be responsible upon receiving gifts. He had a duty to perform and it was not to be taken lightly.

Brothers and sisters, what gifts have we received? What promises have others received concerning us? Nothing in this life goes according to our plans or our ways yet man religiously seeks his own way. Can we truly say that like Solomon in 1 Kings 8 that we have been faithful to our calling? That we have been responsible in carrying out our duties? One may ask what duties and what responsibility not recognizing that it is the duty and responsibility of every Christian to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, to pray for others, to give to the church, to share with others and to express love without conditions.

These things are more easily said than done which is why in today’s watchword, Solomon prayed, “let your eyes be open to the plea of your servant, and to the plea of your people Israel, listening to them whenever they call to you. 1 Kings 8:52. God is our constant source and guide, it is through prayer that we become plugged in and remain connected to the source.

May we ever be vigilant, praying without ceasing, assured that whatever things we ask in God’s name, He will do it.

Amen.

Kerone Lamoth

Tuesday Reflection – August 11, 2020Jubilant Worship

Psalm 68 is a prayer and praise to God. It is believed to have been written on the occasion of David completing the tent to house the Ark of the Covenant and bringing it there. David’s prayer is one of rejoicing. The Psalm is also messianic in part as it anticipates God’s sending of the Messiah as Israel’s ultimate hope, even as the Ark of the Covenant gave them hope by its presence among them. In verse 3 (Ps 68), our watchword for today, David declares, Let the righteous be joyful; let them exult before God; let them be jubilant with joy. 

Israel should rejoice because of God’s faithfulness. God protects the righteous and makes provisions for those who trust in Him. In the same way Israel could now rest assured that God would protect them, so too, we who trust in God have the assurance of his protection regardless of what is happening around us. This gives reason for rejoicing. Ps 32: 11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!  Those who live righteously can and should rejoice. This is in contrast to the scattering of the wicked or the unrighteous. The same God who brings sorrow to the unrighteous, is the source of joy for the righteous. Let the righteous therefore be joyful. Our verse also calls for worship. To exult is to give high praise, to leap for joy, to be extremely joyful. This is all being done before the Lord which makes it worship. Such worship is a response to God’s presence in the placement of Ark of the Covenant in its tent and also as a response to God’s blessings and protection of His people. While the enemies of good cringe in fear at the presence of God, the righteous can openly praise and worship God knowing they are guaranteed God’s presence, protection and provision. Nothing therefore should take away from our worship, not the hardship of the times, not the dread of a virus. Worship that is done in spirit and in truth is not tied to a place or space but flows unbounded from the hearts of the righteous and God who is omnipresent receives our worship and responds with His continued blessings on our lives irrespective of what is taking place in the physical realm. Indeed, God’s blessings help us to navigate the times in confidence when fear grips the world around us. God is a mighty and compassionate God and that gives us every reason to be jubilant with joy. 
To be jubilant is to be joyful. It’s saying our joy should be extreme. Worshippers should never be stoic and wretched. We should be so caught up in God’s presence through our worship that we have no room for anything but joyful jubilation. We are thanking God for his blessings and deliverance while declaring our trust for what is ahead. This is praiseworthy. Paul puts it perfectly in the doctrinal text for today from Phil 4: 4 rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. May our worship therefore be unhindered as we rejoice in a God who completely cares for those who put their trust in Him. Amen
Bevon White

Monday Reflection – August 10, 2020

Let God Rule!

Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the Lord will rule over you.” Judges 8:23

Today’s Watchword is Gideon’s response to the Israelites who wanted to make him king. Verse 22 says, 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.” Gideon was a judge of Israel, but the people wanted a kingdom. Interestingly, the desire for a human king over Israel started early in the nation’s history. Hundreds of years later (in the days of Samuel the prophet and judge), God gave Israel the king they asked for, with Saul as their first king.

Gideon’s response was very appropriate for he understood that it was not his place to take the throne over Israel because the Lord was king over Israel. This was a reflection of his theology – Jehovah was their true king. What other nation had the Creator, the Lord of heaven and earth, as their King? None! What a priviledge! Gideon seems to acknowledge his awareness that he was only an instrument in God’s hands and he knew God meant for Israel to be a people and nation ruled by God Himself. They already had a King if only they would acknowledge him. Morgan advises that this should be the attitude of all those who God raises up to lead and deliver His people. Their leadership must always stop short of sovereignty. Their business is never that of superseding the Divine rule; but of interpreting it, and of leading the people to recognition of it, and submission to it. This is true, not only of kings, but also of priests, prophets, and preachers.

Unfortunately, Gideon’s insight, modesty and humility at this moment in history are in sharp contrast to the events that follow, for he acted like a king thereafter. His words were humble, but his actions were not. It is easier to talk about humility and service to God than it is to actually live it. We must ponder the words of Solomon in Proverbs 27:21: “The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold, and a man is tested by the praise accorded him.” The truth is that success and praise are not always easy to handle, and the love of power can get the better of us.

It all boils down to the place God occupies in our lives. When God is sovereign ruler of our lives, we know that we have no other option but to submit to his will and purpose. We learn that God sets up people in authority and takes down whomever he determines. There is no attitude of self-exaltation nor self-promotion, but we humble ourselves under the rulership of God. Neither do we exalt nor promote others for our benefit, but follow the directives of God. We rid ourselves of every sense of feeling like we are indispensable and recognize that we are here today and gone tomorrow, and we are eventually forgotten.

Let God rule and reign in our hearts, our lives, our homes, our nation and our world.

Jermaine Gibson