WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.459 the true king. So please help us and meet with us as you promise in our time together. We pray in 00:00:07.459 --> 00:00:20.199 Jesus name. Amen. So let's look together for the last time at Judges chapter 8. Judges chapter 8 00:00:20.199 --> 00:00:30.640 and we'll close up the story of Gideon. So that's verse 22 to verse 35. So let's hear God's word 00:00:30.640 --> 00:00:37.219 together. The Israelites said to Gideon, rule over us, you, your son and your grandson, 00:00:37.899 --> 00:00:42.780 because you have saved us from the hand of Midian. But Gideon told them, I will not rule over you, 00:00:42.780 --> 00:00:48.379 nor will my son rule over you. The Lord will rule over you. And he said, I do have one request, 00:00:48.380 --> 00:00:52.740 that each of you give me an earring from your share of the plunder. It was a custom of the 00:00:52.740 --> 00:00:57.980 Ishmaelites to wear gold earrings. They answered, we'll be glad to give them. So they spread out 00:00:57.980 --> 00:01:02.420 a garment and each of them threw a ring from his plunder onto it. The weight of the gold rings he 00:01:02.420 --> 00:01:08.800 asked for came to 1700 shekels, not counting the ornaments, the pendants and the purple garments 00:01:08.800 --> 00:01:13.719 worn by the kings of Midian or the chains that were on the camel's necks. Gideon made the gold 00:01:13.719 --> 00:01:19.879 into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshipping it 00:01:19.879 --> 00:01:26.180 there. And it became a snare to Gideon and his family. Thus, Midian was subdued before the Israelites 00:01:26.180 --> 00:01:31.620 and did not raise his head again. During Gideon's lifetime, the land had peace for 40 years. 00:01:32.480 --> 00:01:38.200 Jerob Baal, son of Joash, went back home to live. He had 70 sons of his own, for he had many wives. 00:01:38.200 --> 00:01:44.159 His concubine, who lived in Shechem, also bore him a son, whom he named Abimelech. Gideon, son of 00:01:44.159 --> 00:01:50.060 Joash, died at a good old age and was buried in the tomb of his father Joash in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. 00:01:50.780 --> 00:01:56.920 No sooner had Gideon died than the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals. They set up 00:01:56.920 --> 00:02:02.040 Baal-barith as their god and did not remember the Lord their god who had rescued them from the hands of 00:02:02.040 --> 00:02:08.319 all their enemies on every side. They also failed to show any loyalty to the family of Jerob Baal, 00:02:08.439 --> 00:02:18.360 that is Gideon, in spite of all the good things he had done for them. Now our question, who will be 00:02:18.360 --> 00:02:31.000 king? But before we get there, we need to think about Gideon's story, the journey that he goes on. 00:02:31.000 --> 00:02:42.280 I read an article this week entitled, To Survive Rapid Success, Remember to Slow Down. It was a 00:02:42.280 --> 00:02:50.800 business article, the advice of a chap called Garrett Late, who runs a highly successful 00:02:50.800 --> 00:02:59.120 sunglasses firm, one of those firms that, as it were, took off overnight. And because of the success, 00:02:59.120 --> 00:03:05.120 sort of based on the west coast of America, he very quickly aimed to expand the business, 00:03:05.340 --> 00:03:13.840 aimed for national expansion. But as he said, his confidence became a liability. He chose to 00:03:14.460 --> 00:03:22.580 target a particular site and invested a lot of money in this new location. And the expansion failed 00:03:22.580 --> 00:03:27.960 and failed miserably. And shops had to close and people had to be laid off. With the result that, 00:03:27.960 --> 00:03:34.300 he had to return to the drawing board, to restructure his business. And the lesson that he 00:03:34.300 --> 00:03:44.180 learned was to slow down and to reflect, to avoid confidence becoming a liability. 00:03:44.180 --> 00:03:51.860 Well, we're coming to the end of Gideon's story. And we think of Gideon and he could be viewed as, 00:03:51.980 --> 00:03:57.040 certainly in human terms, an overnight success. Chapter six, when we first meet him, he is, 00:03:57.599 --> 00:04:03.219 in his own eyes, the least in his tribe. And his tribe is the least in Israel. But God chooses him 00:04:03.219 --> 00:04:10.520 and he does that on purpose for his own glory. And very quickly, Gideon is leading the nation of 00:04:10.520 --> 00:04:16.139 Israel in this dramatic victory and battle over their enemies, with just 300 men defeating the huge 00:04:16.139 --> 00:04:18.600 army of Midian. 00:04:18.600 --> 00:04:29.800 But it doesn't seem like there's any slowing down. There's no reflection. Rather, we can see that the 00:04:29.800 --> 00:04:36.580 success begins to go to his head. And there's a lack of worship in giving God his glory, as we saw 00:04:36.580 --> 00:04:45.220 last week. And his self-confidence and his desire for kingship, in the end, leaves a sad legacy 00:04:45.220 --> 00:04:55.620 in his story. It's hard to finish well. I want us to notice, as we get into our text tonight, 00:04:56.220 --> 00:05:07.080 that Gideon is tempted. And Gideon is tempted by the people to claim kingship. So in verses 22 to 27, 00:05:07.180 --> 00:05:12.860 we see Gideon tempted to claim kingship. When does this happen? Verse 22, 00:05:12.860 --> 00:05:16.580 Israel said to Gideon, rule over us, you, your son, your grandson, because you've saved us from the 00:05:16.580 --> 00:05:21.600 hand of Midian. So this is fresh from national victory. So remember, seven years of oppression 00:05:21.600 --> 00:05:28.340 under sort of the Midianites. Now they've been set free. And this delegation comes. It seems like 00:05:28.340 --> 00:05:34.680 all Israel is being represented, saying to Gideon, you and your family rule as king. And we want to set 00:05:34.680 --> 00:05:37.680 up a national dynasty. And Gideon, you're going to be the head. 00:05:37.680 --> 00:05:45.560 Why? Why, Gideon? And why now? Well, the problem is seen in the language of verse 22, 00:05:45.660 --> 00:05:52.259 because you have saved us. Now, clearly, as we've seen in the last two chapters, all the reality 00:05:52.259 --> 00:05:58.120 points to the fact that God has saved them. God has deliberately weakened the army such that 00:05:58.120 --> 00:06:03.139 it felt like no other conclusion could be drawn other than God has given them success. But here, 00:06:03.139 --> 00:06:10.039 the people have managed to forget and ignore God, and they've elevated Gideon. And so here, 00:06:10.199 --> 00:06:17.459 Gideon is being confronted with the oldest temptation in the world to dethrone God, to remove God from 00:06:17.459 --> 00:06:24.039 his rightful throne and to put himself there. I say it's the oldest temptation in the world because 00:06:24.039 --> 00:06:30.120 we see it all the way back in the Garden of Eden, don't we? After all the amazing privileges of 00:06:30.120 --> 00:06:36.079 Genesis 1 and 2, here are Adam and Eve, the high point of creation made in the image and likeness of 00:06:36.079 --> 00:06:44.319 God made to rule, given this wonderful garden, given one another in marriage, stewarding creation 00:06:44.319 --> 00:06:50.379 for God, living under God's good rule, enjoying peace and perfection. 00:06:50.379 --> 00:07:00.100 But Adam and Eve, they fall into sin, and they fall into sin because of pride. They reject God's word 00:07:00.100 --> 00:07:08.339 because they are drawn to the idea of becoming like God. Never mind the fact that as people, 00:07:08.439 --> 00:07:13.459 we're made in the image of God. They wanted to be God-like. They wanted to remove God as king and to 00:07:13.459 --> 00:07:20.539 take that place for themselves. And here, what's happening is the people have totally ignored the 00:07:20.539 --> 00:07:26.680 rich privilege they have that God is their redeemer king. He has rescued them and he is ruling for them. 00:07:26.740 --> 00:07:31.740 He's made promises to them. That's rejected by the people because they want a king like the nations. 00:07:32.120 --> 00:07:38.399 And that's where Gideon's going to be tempted. It's a story that we see repeated in 1 Samuel 8. 00:07:38.399 --> 00:07:44.479 When Samuel is old, the people come and say, we want a king like the nations. We want a figurehead. 00:07:44.560 --> 00:07:49.199 We want someone who we can see to lead us into battle. And the people in Gideon's day say, 00:07:49.279 --> 00:07:57.120 well, look, he's a dramatic success. Let's make him king. So Gideon is being tempted to claim kingship. 00:07:58.079 --> 00:08:05.120 And sadly, what we see in his life is that he's guilty of saying one thing but doing another. 00:08:05.459 --> 00:08:08.239 Because you look at verse 23, and it sounds really promising, doesn't it? 00:08:08.959 --> 00:08:13.759 Gideon told them, I will not rule over you, nor will my son, the Lord, will rule over you. 00:08:14.399 --> 00:08:23.779 So he appears to reject the offer because God rules. But notice, he doesn't correct the people. 00:08:24.859 --> 00:08:29.139 He doesn't make it abundantly clear, I didn't save you, God saved you. 00:08:30.579 --> 00:08:34.679 We can at the very least suggest that the seed of pride has begun to take root. 00:08:34.679 --> 00:08:39.479 But certainly, by the time we get to verse 24 onward, we see him acting as if he is the king. 00:08:39.579 --> 00:08:43.279 He said, in his words, no thank you, but in his practice, yes, please. 00:08:45.559 --> 00:08:48.479 First thing he does, verse 24, I have one request. 00:08:48.599 --> 00:08:50.219 Give me an earring from your share of the plunder. 00:08:50.299 --> 00:08:51.620 He claims the spoils of water. 00:08:51.679 --> 00:08:53.919 And this isn't a small token gesture. 00:08:53.919 --> 00:08:55.240 This is royal treasure. 00:08:55.240 --> 00:09:01.279 We discover that it's about 20 kilograms worth of gold. 00:09:01.479 --> 00:09:02.559 This is serious. 00:09:03.199 --> 00:09:04.919 And then he goes further. 00:09:04.919 --> 00:09:12.919 And he establishes, off his own back, an alternative worship centre. 00:09:12.919 --> 00:09:17.199 That's the point of this ephod that he makes. 00:09:18.120 --> 00:09:25.339 That people will now come to Gideon and to Gideon's town to come for worship and to come for wisdom. 00:09:25.340 --> 00:09:29.340 His story is very different to King David's. 00:09:29.420 --> 00:09:36.480 When God chooses David and anoints David and David eventually becomes king and he becomes king and he goes to reign in Jerusalem, 00:09:36.940 --> 00:09:45.240 what David wants to do is he wants to bring the ark of God to Jerusalem so that David's rule is seen to be under God's rule 00:09:45.240 --> 00:09:49.400 and that they are connected, but so that the focus is on the worship and the glory of God. 00:09:49.399 --> 00:09:54.019 And Gideon is detracting from God's glory and taking to himself. 00:09:55.199 --> 00:10:00.399 We see him further acting as a king in verse 30. 00:10:00.559 --> 00:10:02.860 He had 70 sons of his own, but he had many wives. 00:10:03.500 --> 00:10:08.939 He matches the practice of foreign kings, having many wives, having a harem for himself. 00:10:09.720 --> 00:10:14.639 And to make sure there were not any doubt, verse 31, 00:10:14.639 --> 00:10:18.899 He has one particular son whom he named Abimelech. 00:10:19.059 --> 00:10:22.779 And Abimelech means my father is king. 00:10:24.659 --> 00:10:28.740 So here is Gideon saying no, but acting as if he is a king. 00:10:29.740 --> 00:10:33.199 At the end of the book of Judges, Judges 21-25, 00:10:33.620 --> 00:10:37.319 we get a summary of the period in which we read, 00:10:37.319 --> 00:10:39.639 In those days Israel had no king. 00:10:40.220 --> 00:10:43.419 Everyone did as they saw fit. 00:10:43.419 --> 00:10:47.419 And that's really interesting because the author, in a sense, 00:10:47.599 --> 00:10:50.799 is saying kingship is a good thing and he's preparing for kingship, 00:10:51.159 --> 00:10:53.860 but only if it is God's king. 00:10:54.919 --> 00:10:56.479 Back in the book of Deuteronomy, 00:10:57.500 --> 00:11:01.779 there was instructions for the king at a time when they didn't have a king. 00:11:01.860 --> 00:11:05.740 So Deuteronomy 17, 14-17, we get some important qualifications. 00:11:06.679 --> 00:11:08.659 Most important, God must appoint the king. 00:11:09.980 --> 00:11:10.980 That doesn't happen here. 00:11:10.980 --> 00:11:13.700 That king must not take many wives. 00:11:14.720 --> 00:11:15.740 Gideon fails that test. 00:11:16.180 --> 00:11:19.480 And he must not accumulate large amounts of gold and silver. 00:11:20.740 --> 00:11:22.039 And Gideon fails that test also. 00:11:22.259 --> 00:11:26.980 Gideon has not chosen as king and he doesn't abide by the rules that God sets. 00:11:28.740 --> 00:11:33.460 And this little section gives us a window into the spiritual state of Israel at the time. 00:11:33.460 --> 00:11:35.400 As a nation, verse 27, 00:11:35.400 --> 00:11:39.759 Gideon made the gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ulfraith's town. 00:11:39.920 --> 00:11:43.220 All Israel prostituted themselves by worshipping it there. 00:11:45.620 --> 00:11:49.440 The judge who's supposed to lead the people towards faithfulness, towards God, 00:11:49.540 --> 00:11:54.740 led them away from God into unfaithfulness, spiritual adultery. 00:11:54.740 --> 00:11:57.120 They want a God they can see. 00:11:58.460 --> 00:11:59.639 And his family. 00:12:01.360 --> 00:12:07.240 We discovered in verse 27, this same ephod became a snare to Gideon and his family. 00:12:08.100 --> 00:12:09.840 They have seen God's grace. 00:12:09.919 --> 00:12:11.180 They've seen God's deliverance. 00:12:11.179 --> 00:12:14.579 But Gideon and his family, they're not gripped by that grace. 00:12:14.679 --> 00:12:18.579 There's a gap between what they know in their head and what they know in their heart. 00:12:18.659 --> 00:12:27.479 And what we see is them robbing and diverting glory and honour from God and taking it to themselves. 00:12:29.079 --> 00:12:33.919 We know the phrase power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. 00:12:33.919 --> 00:12:42.620 And we see that destructive influence of power and authority in Gideon's story. 00:12:43.439 --> 00:12:48.779 So, before we move to the next section, let's examine how Gideon falls into that trap. 00:12:48.879 --> 00:12:51.919 To examine ourselves and to guard our own hearts. 00:12:52.039 --> 00:12:53.559 Really easy to throw stones at Gideon. 00:12:53.639 --> 00:12:58.319 But let's be careful to humbly approach this part of God's word. 00:12:58.320 --> 00:13:04.020 One thing we need to recognise is Gideon wanted more than God gave him. 00:13:05.440 --> 00:13:07.320 Gideon had been called to be a judge. 00:13:07.920 --> 00:13:12.220 His task was to deliver the nation in the power and with the help of the Holy Spirit. 00:13:12.300 --> 00:13:13.580 That was no small task. 00:13:13.700 --> 00:13:15.520 But Gideon, he wanted more. 00:13:16.100 --> 00:13:17.100 He wanted kingship. 00:13:17.580 --> 00:13:20.420 He wanted people to come to him for guidance and not the tabernacle. 00:13:21.660 --> 00:13:22.500 And do we see the danger? 00:13:22.500 --> 00:13:29.899 If we are not content with God's providence and God's calling and God's position he gives us in our life. 00:13:31.639 --> 00:13:34.259 Then we can act against God's design. 00:13:35.080 --> 00:13:38.240 If there is a pride that elevates ourselves. 00:13:39.379 --> 00:13:43.919 If there is a longing for human recognition, the approval of others. 00:13:44.220 --> 00:13:49.120 Then there is a constant danger that we too will want more than God gives us. 00:13:49.120 --> 00:14:03.379 And so we need to pursue that humility and that dependence and that willing to receive our circumstances from God's hands. 00:14:05.039 --> 00:14:08.519 We see, secondly, Gideon robbed God of glory. 00:14:08.639 --> 00:14:11.120 I think we can say that Gideon believed his own hype. 00:14:11.120 --> 00:14:19.179 There is, of course, a particular danger, particular temptation for those in positions of leadership. 00:14:19.799 --> 00:14:21.500 And that includes in the church. 00:14:23.700 --> 00:14:27.460 Gideon did well when he said, I won't rule because the Lord rules. 00:14:27.560 --> 00:14:30.120 But then after that, he acted as if really did. 00:14:31.340 --> 00:14:34.179 We need to be able to say the Lord rules full stop. 00:14:35.539 --> 00:14:38.139 It's the Lord who gives every gift. 00:14:38.139 --> 00:14:43.860 So we don't take credit for ourselves, but we make sure people are looking to God. 00:14:44.419 --> 00:14:48.240 That God is the one who deserves praise and glory full stop. 00:14:49.799 --> 00:14:52.439 It requires wisdom, humility. 00:14:54.439 --> 00:14:56.199 Gideon, what do we see in him? 00:14:56.279 --> 00:14:59.039 We see that he falls victim to the sin of pride. 00:14:59.039 --> 00:15:10.199 We see a progression in his story where at first he almost can't believe that God would choose to work through someone like him. 00:15:10.219 --> 00:15:14.240 And we see him with absolute dependence and absolute faith. 00:15:14.740 --> 00:15:22.039 But as success comes, we see self-reliance kick in and we see less and less of the honour of God. 00:15:22.039 --> 00:15:26.439 And so it's a reminder that we cannot become complacent. 00:15:26.539 --> 00:15:29.519 We must guard our hearts. 00:15:30.759 --> 00:15:34.039 We must aim for gospel humility. 00:15:35.799 --> 00:15:43.839 To see that all that we have and all that we are is from God's grace to us in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:15:43.840 --> 00:15:53.100 We see that Gideon, along with the nation, fell victim to the sin of idolatry. 00:15:53.100 --> 00:16:05.420 I find the way Dick Lucas, a preacher from, I guess, sort of significant latter half of the 20th century in London, 00:16:05.740 --> 00:16:07.680 the way he talks about idolatry. 00:16:07.840 --> 00:16:13.139 He says, you know, anything that we look to for identity, for salvation, for comfort and security, 00:16:14.139 --> 00:16:16.440 can become an idol for Gideon. 00:16:18.240 --> 00:16:21.840 Power had begun to define him. 00:16:23.100 --> 00:16:26.820 That was the pool of the idol. 00:16:27.779 --> 00:16:28.220 Importance. 00:16:28.360 --> 00:16:34.279 I will be somebody because I have this role and responsibility. 00:16:35.840 --> 00:16:37.420 Now, that might not be our thing. 00:16:37.500 --> 00:16:38.920 That might not be our idolatry. 00:16:39.279 --> 00:16:42.700 But there will be idols in our heart. 00:16:43.580 --> 00:16:49.740 Something that we think, if I just had this thing, if I have more of this thing, then I will be someone. 00:16:49.740 --> 00:16:57.480 When times get hard, I'm going to look to this person or this truth to be my saviour. 00:16:57.480 --> 00:17:07.240 I draw my comfort and my sense of security from my bank balance, my relationship, my career, whatever it might be. 00:17:07.240 --> 00:17:17.359 And the answer, again, is to see who we are in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:17:18.299 --> 00:17:21.859 Our identity comes from knowing God is our Father. 00:17:22.019 --> 00:17:22.440 Who am I? 00:17:22.480 --> 00:17:24.720 I'm a child of God if our faith is in Jesus. 00:17:25.359 --> 00:17:27.440 Our salvation doesn't come from stuff. 00:17:27.519 --> 00:17:32.640 Our salvation comes from the Lord Jesus, who came to be our Redeemer. 00:17:32.640 --> 00:17:35.060 And where does our comfort and security come from? 00:17:35.280 --> 00:17:40.580 It comes from the Spirit who unites us to Christ, who reminds us we're children of God, 00:17:40.640 --> 00:17:44.740 who comes to be another comforter to live in our hearts. 00:17:46.440 --> 00:17:52.700 The story of Gideon reminds us Gideon is not the Redeemer king and the people of God we're looking for. 00:17:53.380 --> 00:17:57.380 He claimed the status implicitly, but it belonged to God. 00:17:57.380 --> 00:18:09.960 People of God need to wait until the coming of Jesus, where the true Redeemer king we all need is introduced. 00:18:10.620 --> 00:18:22.380 He is the one who will break the power of sin, who will die on the cross for our pride, for our idolatry, for our robbing God of glory. 00:18:22.380 --> 00:18:31.720 He is the one who through faith in Jesus gives true peace, gives true rest in the kingdom of God. 00:18:32.800 --> 00:18:43.740 So as we read the story of Gideon, we want to think about how it points us to the wonderful work of the Lord Jesus, the true king. 00:18:43.740 --> 00:18:49.539 So Gideon is tempted to claim kingship. 00:18:49.799 --> 00:18:55.519 And because of that, the second thing I want us to see is that Gideon leaves a sad legacy. 00:18:56.339 --> 00:18:58.180 Verses 28 to 35, we'll see that. 00:18:58.700 --> 00:19:05.000 So the reality, and we recognise this, for better or for worse, as it goes for the king, so it goes for the people. 00:19:05.079 --> 00:19:07.480 We see that in so much of Old Testament history. 00:19:07.480 --> 00:19:14.880 But we recognise that in our own experience, the influence of a leader, the influence of a head can be massive. 00:19:15.240 --> 00:19:19.900 We think about that politically, think about it in an organisation or a business or a school. 00:19:20.599 --> 00:19:22.079 Think about it in a family. 00:19:23.620 --> 00:19:28.299 Leaders have that shaping influence and impact on others. 00:19:28.299 --> 00:19:38.279 And so it's really important for us, whether our influence is great or small, it's really important for us to think about legacy. 00:19:39.919 --> 00:19:41.940 What is it that I'm going to leave behind? 00:19:43.099 --> 00:19:46.960 What do I want most for my kids and my grandkids, really and truly? 00:19:47.819 --> 00:19:49.559 What kind of business am I creating? 00:19:50.279 --> 00:19:58.059 What lasting impact on a community or an extended family do I wish to have? 00:19:59.180 --> 00:20:03.980 For Gideon, he was called to be a judge, but he wanted to be a king. 00:20:04.740 --> 00:20:10.039 And he leaves a sad legacy in his family and in his nation. 00:20:11.319 --> 00:20:14.460 Verse 28 starts on a positive note. 00:20:16.279 --> 00:20:20.099 Thus Midian was subdued before the Israelites and did not raise its head again. 00:20:20.180 --> 00:20:23.099 During Gideon's lifetime, the land had peace for 40 years. 00:20:23.099 --> 00:20:30.019 So despite Gideon's failings, and the Bible is honest, they don't try to cover over those failings, 00:20:30.699 --> 00:20:36.500 he did establish 40 years of peace that God, in grace and mercy, worked through him. 00:20:36.779 --> 00:20:38.980 But a correction takes place. 00:20:40.339 --> 00:20:42.619 It says Midian was subdued. 00:20:44.079 --> 00:20:45.619 Midian was not subdued by Gideon. 00:20:45.719 --> 00:20:47.339 Midian was subdued by God. 00:20:47.339 --> 00:20:56.079 God is the actor and the author is taking glory back to God, the one who deserves it. 00:20:57.259 --> 00:21:02.339 So it begins well, but we see again Gideon acting like the kings of the nation. 00:21:02.500 --> 00:21:05.059 So we saw that he took many wives. 00:21:05.459 --> 00:21:06.220 We saw that earlier. 00:21:06.339 --> 00:21:09.819 And then verse 31, there's this concubine who lived in Shechem. 00:21:10.359 --> 00:21:11.500 Shechem is in Canaan. 00:21:11.500 --> 00:21:14.460 So he's taking many wives, including those from Canaan. 00:21:14.559 --> 00:21:16.839 That is forbidden in God's law. 00:21:17.640 --> 00:21:20.039 We've seen that he named his son Abimelech. 00:21:20.099 --> 00:21:22.480 My father is king. 00:21:26.380 --> 00:21:28.380 And what happens when Gideon dies? 00:21:28.380 --> 00:21:34.440 We see that the peace and the well-being hitting the nation only goes skin deep. 00:21:34.559 --> 00:21:37.160 And immediately there's a downward spiral. 00:21:37.160 --> 00:21:43.860 No sooner had Gideon died than the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals. 00:21:44.040 --> 00:21:48.700 There's a national falling away from God to worship idols. 00:21:48.800 --> 00:21:51.519 And especially this idol called Baal, Barith. 00:21:51.620 --> 00:21:53.779 And there's a particular tragedy here. 00:21:53.880 --> 00:21:55.279 The word Barith means covenant. 00:21:55.480 --> 00:21:59.660 So no longer are they worshipping and following and loving and serving the God of the covenant, 00:21:59.779 --> 00:22:03.320 the God who had committed himself to them, to their rescue and deliverance. 00:22:03.319 --> 00:22:08.079 They've exchanged the one true God for the Baal of the covenant. 00:22:11.539 --> 00:22:14.740 Verse 34, sad indictment. 00:22:14.899 --> 00:22:20.419 They did not remember the Lord their God, who had rescued them from the hands of all their enemies on every side. 00:22:20.599 --> 00:22:23.339 They are guilty of what we can call practical atheism. 00:22:24.480 --> 00:22:26.740 They're ignoring God in his world. 00:22:27.639 --> 00:22:32.179 They're ignoring their saviour God and his rescue. 00:22:32.180 --> 00:22:37.200 They're ignoring the word of God, the promises of God. 00:22:39.900 --> 00:22:42.720 They're living as practical atheists. 00:22:44.740 --> 00:22:47.019 It's the national legacy, family legacy. 00:22:47.900 --> 00:22:48.960 It's also tragic. 00:22:49.180 --> 00:22:50.460 We've got this guy, Abimelech. 00:22:50.519 --> 00:22:52.640 He becomes the focus in chapter 9. 00:22:53.019 --> 00:22:55.320 The one who said, my father is king in chapter 9. 00:22:55.319 --> 00:23:00.579 And what we see him do is he slaughters his 70 brothers. 00:23:02.399 --> 00:23:06.319 Seems like the seed of pride, that desire for kingship we recognise. 00:23:06.559 --> 00:23:09.079 And Gideon's life is now full blown in the sun. 00:23:09.159 --> 00:23:14.159 And so we've got this brutal power grab where he kills off all potential opposition. 00:23:14.160 --> 00:23:18.759 To think about his legacy in a wider context still. 00:23:19.660 --> 00:23:24.420 In verse 28 we're told the land had peace until Gideon died. 00:23:24.740 --> 00:23:28.420 This is the last time in the book of Judges the land has peace and rest. 00:23:29.660 --> 00:23:31.160 And there is this judges cycle. 00:23:31.160 --> 00:23:31.720 There's a cycle. 00:23:32.540 --> 00:23:37.460 But there's also a downward spiral of the people turning away from God. 00:23:37.560 --> 00:23:41.680 Of God bringing judgment in the form of nations oppressing, opposing. 00:23:42.200 --> 00:23:44.600 The people cry out, God sends judges. 00:23:45.880 --> 00:23:48.580 But at the same time God answers and sends the judge. 00:23:48.880 --> 00:23:51.000 But there's still a downward spiral. 00:23:52.000 --> 00:23:54.519 There's a continued falling away from God. 00:23:54.519 --> 00:23:59.519 And we see failures of God's judges again and again and again. 00:24:00.599 --> 00:24:05.359 And it's preparing the hearts of the people to long for God's chosen king. 00:24:07.879 --> 00:24:10.799 We'll see that in part with King David and with Solomon. 00:24:10.920 --> 00:24:13.799 But ultimately preparing our hearts for King Jesus. 00:24:14.019 --> 00:24:20.339 Now we can't leave this part of the Gideon story without some needed notes of caution. 00:24:20.339 --> 00:24:27.000 A good time for us to slow down, to reflect the direction of our lives. 00:24:27.659 --> 00:24:29.339 The kind of legacy that we are establishing. 00:24:30.720 --> 00:24:31.879 Think about our own faith. 00:24:32.119 --> 00:24:32.799 Think about our family. 00:24:32.939 --> 00:24:33.899 Think about our workplace. 00:24:37.379 --> 00:24:38.879 So let's first of all consider. 00:24:39.519 --> 00:24:41.519 Consider the pattern you're setting. 00:24:41.699 --> 00:24:44.099 Consider the legacy you're setting. 00:24:44.099 --> 00:24:50.379 We speak especially to those listening who are in Christian families. 00:24:50.619 --> 00:24:54.759 Now while we recognise, don't we, that we cannot guarantee faith in children. 00:24:54.899 --> 00:24:58.879 It's not a case of take our kids to church and read the Bible and pray with them. 00:24:59.019 --> 00:25:00.500 And that guarantees they'll come to faith. 00:25:00.619 --> 00:25:05.919 But we must be faithful in doing our part. 00:25:06.159 --> 00:25:08.459 We can't light the fire but we can set the kindling. 00:25:08.659 --> 00:25:09.319 As is often said. 00:25:09.319 --> 00:25:16.500 So we must, as parents and as grandparents, when we have the opportunity, teach our kids the Bible and the Gospel. 00:25:16.740 --> 00:25:19.879 Train them in the way of faith and obedience. 00:25:20.359 --> 00:25:22.220 Pray for them. 00:25:23.039 --> 00:25:26.579 Model Christian faith to them. 00:25:27.019 --> 00:25:30.099 And show them and show them and show them again. 00:25:30.099 --> 00:25:34.859 And the good news that's found in them. 00:25:35.059 --> 00:25:38.219 Jesus as the saviour they need. 00:25:38.359 --> 00:25:39.599 The saviour for sinners. 00:25:40.980 --> 00:25:43.179 So consider the pattern we're setting. 00:25:43.319 --> 00:25:46.919 Especially, I think, as Christian families in our homes. 00:25:48.019 --> 00:25:49.859 Maybe the summer holidays when there's less routine. 00:25:49.959 --> 00:25:53.799 Maybe it's the time to start a new routine of making time for family worship. 00:25:53.799 --> 00:25:58.599 Of taking, even if it's just a few minutes, to read a part of the Bible. 00:25:58.799 --> 00:26:00.419 To talk about it together. 00:26:00.839 --> 00:26:03.839 To pray it together with and for one another. 00:26:03.940 --> 00:26:06.339 Perhaps even to sing together. 00:26:07.579 --> 00:26:13.500 To build our family life on Jesus and his word. 00:26:14.460 --> 00:26:15.319 So consider that pattern. 00:26:15.720 --> 00:26:18.259 Secondly, show sin no mercy. 00:26:18.259 --> 00:26:21.839 Jesus talked about just a little bit of leaven. 00:26:23.240 --> 00:26:27.700 Going through a whole lump of dough and causing it to rise. 00:26:28.500 --> 00:26:31.359 A little sin can have a huge impact. 00:26:31.460 --> 00:26:32.519 We see it in Gideon. 00:26:32.619 --> 00:26:36.519 It's that sort of the little drop of pride. 00:26:37.019 --> 00:26:40.700 And several lives begins to spread until he's grabbing for kingship. 00:26:41.299 --> 00:26:43.339 So we need to show sin no mercy. 00:26:43.339 --> 00:26:48.459 As John Owen said, be killing sin or it will be killing you. 00:26:52.039 --> 00:26:54.559 Another caution we need to sound is this one. 00:26:54.639 --> 00:27:01.859 Make sure that our faith is personal and not simply superficial. 00:27:02.720 --> 00:27:06.819 And I think that's especially a warning if we're sort of brought up in Christian families. 00:27:06.899 --> 00:27:07.879 We've got a Christian background. 00:27:07.880 --> 00:27:13.640 Is it the faith of my family or is it my faith? 00:27:16.380 --> 00:27:17.880 Many of us, we grew up in churches. 00:27:17.880 --> 00:27:20.680 We're happy to affirm, yes, Jesus is the son of God. 00:27:20.780 --> 00:27:21.600 Jesus is the saviour. 00:27:21.660 --> 00:27:23.080 He died on the cross and he rose again. 00:27:24.360 --> 00:27:26.980 But is Jesus my saviour? 00:27:27.080 --> 00:27:28.460 Is he your saviour? 00:27:28.700 --> 00:27:31.100 Did he die to pay for my sin? 00:27:31.099 --> 00:27:38.399 There's eternity of a difference between just knowing it and knowing it personally. 00:27:39.539 --> 00:27:41.539 Make sure our faith is personal and not superficial. 00:27:42.679 --> 00:27:47.379 And another caution is never forget God's saving grace. 00:27:48.719 --> 00:27:51.759 What we see from the people is that failure to remember our forgetfulness, 00:27:51.899 --> 00:27:56.019 a complacency that led them so quickly to idolatry and towards national disaster. 00:27:56.019 --> 00:27:59.180 So we must keep our eyes on Jesus. 00:28:00.379 --> 00:28:03.759 We must be preaching the gospel to ourselves every day 00:28:03.759 --> 00:28:08.299 to remind ourselves that we are sinners saved by grace, 00:28:08.379 --> 00:28:10.879 that we're loved and accepted in Christ, 00:28:10.980 --> 00:28:13.920 that we have the spirit in us, 00:28:14.920 --> 00:28:18.019 that we have this new identity, 00:28:18.200 --> 00:28:21.019 we have this new calling to live holy lives, 00:28:21.079 --> 00:28:24.420 to represent God in the world with the strength that he provides. 00:28:24.420 --> 00:28:26.600 We have the hope of heaven. 00:28:26.740 --> 00:28:31.140 We have the hope of the new heavens and the new earth to look forward to. 00:28:31.220 --> 00:28:34.140 And all of it is a gift from God. 00:28:34.820 --> 00:28:37.640 And it all comes through Jesus. 00:28:38.300 --> 00:28:40.400 We never want to forget Jesus. 00:28:43.060 --> 00:28:45.600 And so I think when we think about this story of Gideon, 00:28:45.720 --> 00:28:47.560 with so many of the Bible characters, 00:28:49.519 --> 00:28:52.840 Gideon makes our heart long for Jesus. 00:28:54.420 --> 00:28:56.800 As we leave Gideon's story, 00:28:56.900 --> 00:29:00.620 we must see how Jesus succeeds where Gideon fails. 00:29:01.300 --> 00:29:04.779 But Jesus is the true king we all need. 00:29:07.740 --> 00:29:12.900 We know that because Jesus is the king who always gave glory to God. 00:29:12.900 --> 00:29:16.019 So I read at the beginning from Luke chapter 4, 00:29:16.100 --> 00:29:17.040 it is temptation. 00:29:18.560 --> 00:29:23.360 We hear Jesus give glory to his father, 00:29:23.940 --> 00:29:27.820 tempted with all the authority and splendour of the nations. 00:29:29.100 --> 00:29:31.519 If he would just worship the devil, go his way. 00:29:32.200 --> 00:29:34.920 Jesus said, worship the Lord your God and serve him all the way. 00:29:34.920 --> 00:29:42.900 Jesus consistently announced that he only said and did what the father gave him to do, 00:29:42.960 --> 00:29:45.640 that he was so concerned for the father's glory. 00:29:45.740 --> 00:29:48.259 And that climax is in his obedience. 00:29:48.519 --> 00:29:50.039 And in going to the cross, 00:29:50.080 --> 00:29:56.060 and there at the cross we see this glorious plan of God's salvation worked out. 00:29:56.059 --> 00:30:00.619 And all of that because Jesus was willing to humble himself, 00:30:01.279 --> 00:30:05.720 to take on the form of a servant by becoming one of us 00:30:05.720 --> 00:30:09.220 and becoming obedient to the point of death on the cross. 00:30:10.079 --> 00:30:12.619 And it's because of that that God highly exalted him 00:30:12.619 --> 00:30:14.119 and gave him the name that's above every name. 00:30:14.679 --> 00:30:16.619 So Jesus is the king who always gave glory to God. 00:30:17.059 --> 00:30:20.419 Jesus is the king who leads us in true worship. 00:30:20.639 --> 00:30:22.700 Jesus is our worship leader. 00:30:22.700 --> 00:30:26.000 He reveals to us the glory of the father. 00:30:26.140 --> 00:30:31.180 He sends us the spirit so that we can worship in spirit and in truth. 00:30:31.519 --> 00:30:36.640 We see in Jesus the pattern of a true worshipper. 00:30:38.819 --> 00:30:40.840 Loved God's word, lived by God's word, 00:30:40.960 --> 00:30:43.559 loved spending time alone with his father, 00:30:43.720 --> 00:30:47.039 loved meeting with his people to be in the presence of God. 00:30:47.759 --> 00:30:49.340 Jesus is the king who leads us in true worship. 00:30:49.519 --> 00:30:51.600 Jesus is the king who serves. 00:30:51.599 --> 00:30:56.319 Unlike Gideon, who was all about grabbing that money and position for himself, 00:30:56.740 --> 00:30:58.659 Jesus didn't come to gain wealth and comfort. 00:30:58.779 --> 00:31:00.039 He came to serve. 00:31:00.839 --> 00:31:01.659 Not to be served. 00:31:02.319 --> 00:31:05.740 He came to give his life as a ransom for many. 00:31:06.839 --> 00:31:07.319 Jesus. 00:31:08.119 --> 00:31:13.199 Jesus is the king who brings not just temporary rest for a few years. 00:31:13.200 --> 00:31:18.640 Jesus brings rest and peace in our hearts. 00:31:18.640 --> 00:31:20.059 Peace with God. 00:31:20.340 --> 00:31:25.840 Freedom from the fear of condemnation, of guilt, of that fear of death. 00:31:27.539 --> 00:31:30.220 Rest, knowing that we belong to God. 00:31:31.080 --> 00:31:34.980 Not just for now, but for all eternity. 00:31:34.980 --> 00:31:36.620 Jesus. 00:31:36.620 --> 00:31:36.819 Jesus. 00:31:36.819 --> 00:31:36.860 Jesus. 00:31:36.860 --> 00:31:41.380 And Jesus alone is the king you and I need. 00:31:42.160 --> 00:31:44.519 Let's pray together now. 00:31:44.519 --> 00:31:52.700 Lord God, as we read your word with hearts that are open, 00:31:53.559 --> 00:31:58.460 we recognise in Gideon so much of ourselves. 00:31:58.460 --> 00:32:05.380 We see the temptation towards pride and towards setting up idols in our hearts. 00:32:06.180 --> 00:32:11.160 Our desire for the approval of others. 00:32:12.319 --> 00:32:18.600 To live like the people around us rather than following your ways. 00:32:18.599 --> 00:32:23.480 Lord, we pray that you would cause us to repent. 00:32:24.819 --> 00:32:28.459 Cause us to return in our hearts to you, to love you. 00:32:30.519 --> 00:32:37.059 Lord, we also pray that you'd help us to think about the legacy that we want to leave. 00:32:37.159 --> 00:32:47.899 That by your grace, that we would leave a legacy that points people towards Jesus and his glory. 00:32:48.599 --> 00:32:53.779 That in our families and in our work situations and in our communities, 00:32:54.859 --> 00:33:00.980 that people would be drawn to Jesus as Saviour through us. 00:33:02.519 --> 00:33:07.419 Lord, help us to keep looking away from ourselves and looking to him. 00:33:09.519 --> 00:33:11.399 We pray it in Jesus' name. 00:33:12.000 --> 00:33:12.319 Amen. 00:33:14.379 --> 00:33:17.879 Now we'll close singing together. 00:33:18.599 --> 00:33:20.480 Behold our God. 00:33:21.219 --> 00:33:24.559 And then the first ten verses of Psalm 96. 00:33:24.559 --> 00:33:46.379 Who has held the oceans in his hands? 00:33:46.380 --> 00:33:52.380 Who has numbered every grain of salt? 00:33:52.380 --> 00:33:58.380 Kings and nations tremble at his voice. 00:33:58.380 --> 00:34:05.380 Oh, creation rises to rejoice. 00:34:06.760 --> 00:34:11.380 Behold our God. 00:34:11.380 --> 00:34:14.380 Seize it on his throne. 00:34:14.380 --> 00:34:19.480 Come let us adore him. 00:34:19.480 --> 00:34:24.579 Behold our King. 00:34:24.579 --> 00:34:27.380 Nothing can compare. 00:34:27.380 --> 00:34:34.380 Come let us adore him. 00:34:34.380 --> 00:34:53.480 Who has given counsel to the Lord? 00:34:53.480 --> 00:34:59.660 Who can question any of his words? 00:34:59.659 --> 00:35:05.659 Who can teach the one who knows all things? 00:35:05.659 --> 00:35:12.659 Who can fathom all his wondrous deeds? 00:35:12.659 --> 00:35:13.659 Behold our God. 00:35:13.659 --> 00:35:18.659 Behold our God. 00:35:18.659 --> 00:35:20.659 Seated on his throne. 00:35:20.659 --> 00:35:21.659 Seated on his throne. 00:35:21.659 --> 00:35:25.659 Come let us adore him. 00:35:25.659 --> 00:35:26.659 Behold our King. 00:35:26.659 --> 00:35:30.659 Behold our King. 00:35:30.659 --> 00:35:32.659 Nothing can compare. 00:35:32.659 --> 00:35:34.659 Come let us adore him. 00:35:34.659 --> 00:35:41.659 Come let us adore him. 00:35:41.659 --> 00:35:42.659 God. 00:35:42.659 --> 00:35:43.659 Amen. 00:35:43.659 --> 00:35:44.659 Amen. 00:35:44.659 --> 00:35:56.659 God. 00:35:56.659 --> 00:36:00.659 Who has felt the nails upon his hands? 00:36:00.659 --> 00:36:06.819 Bearing all the guilt of sin for me 00:36:06.819 --> 00:36:13.319 God eternal, humbled to the grave 00:36:13.319 --> 00:36:20.960 Jesus, Savior, risen well to reign 00:36:20.960 --> 00:36:29.440 Behold our God, seated on His throne 00:36:29.440 --> 00:36:33.800 Come let us adore Him 00:36:33.800 --> 00:36:38.940 Behold our King 00:36:38.940 --> 00:36:42.159 Nothing can compare 00:36:42.159 --> 00:36:50.039 Come let us adore Him 00:36:50.039 --> 00:37:01.219 O sing a new song to the Lord 00:37:01.219 --> 00:37:06.059 Sing praises to His name 00:37:06.059 --> 00:37:11.800 And His salvation day by day 00:37:11.800 --> 00:37:15.880 Let all the earth proclaim 00:37:15.880 --> 00:37:22.300 His glory and His mighty deeds 00:37:22.300 --> 00:37:26.220 To every land declare 00:37:26.220 --> 00:37:32.800 How great and awesome is the Lord 00:37:33.420 --> 00:37:37.800 With Him no gods compare 00:37:37.800 --> 00:37:45.100 For other gods are wood and stone 00:37:45.100 --> 00:37:50.080 The Lord made heaven's height 00:37:50.080 --> 00:37:55.960 All power and majesty are His 00:37:55.960 --> 00:38:00.860 He dwells in glorious light 00:38:00.860 --> 00:38:05.160 All nations to the Lord 00:38:05.160 --> 00:38:11.220 Ascribe the glory that is due 00:38:11.220 --> 00:38:18.360 Glory and strength ascribe to God 00:38:18.360 --> 00:38:22.860 And praise His name on you 00:38:22.860 --> 00:38:28.620 Enter His courts with joy 00:38:28.620 --> 00:38:34.860 And bring an offering with you 00:38:34.860 --> 00:38:40.660 Worship the Lord in holy fear 00:38:40.660 --> 00:38:45.579 All earth before Him bow 00:38:45.579 --> 00:38:51.799 Tell every land the Lord is King 00:38:51.799 --> 00:38:56.840 Established as the earth 00:38:56.840 --> 00:39:00.059 And cannot move 00:39:00.059 --> 00:39:03.299 The Lord will judge 00:39:03.299 --> 00:39:08.179 The peoples in His truth 00:39:08.179 --> 00:39:15.559 Lord porn 00:39:15.559 --> 00:39:16.139 Indeed 00:39:16.139 --> 00:39:24.559 Give Him 00:39:24.559 --> 00:39:25.559 Thanks for coming 00:39:25.559 --> 00:39:26.519 He watching 00:39:26.519 --> 00:39:26.879 watching 00:39:26.879 --> 00:39:31.759 Get 00:39:31.759 --> 00:39:31.980 familiar 00:39:31.980 --> 00:39:33.000 Go