Judges 8 is the final chapter in the life of Gideon.

We met Gideon in Judges 6 when he answered God's call to lead the people of God against Midian.

God was faithful and Midian was defeated. Israel was freed by God's redemptive work.

Yet, as we read about the end of Gideon's life we see that he was not faithful to God. In fact, his life was formed by his desire for power. 

Gideon collected gold and valuables from the Israelites and made an ephod (a religous garment) for himself. He made himself a priest and a powerful leader in Israel and it led Israel astray. "And all Israel whored after it there and it became a snare to Gideon and to his family" (Judges 8.27).

Instead of placing God first in his life, Gideon wanted power. He wanted to rule others. Consequently, instead of ending his life faithfully following the Lord and leading God's people back to him, he caused Israel to stumble into idolatry.

Idols are anything we value above God. Money can be an idol. Safety, security, power, relationships, and success can all be idols if we value them above the Lord.

Do you value the Triune God above everything in your life?

Is he #1 in your life?

If he is not then you are being shaped by the idols in your life. Those idols will fail you. Those idols will let you down.

However, if you are following the Lord then you are being shaped into the image of his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

He will never fail you.

He will never let you down.