I have hidden Thy word in my heart.
(Picture by Lisa R)

Judges 8. “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.’ But Gideon said to them, ‘I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the Lord shall rule over you'” (Verses 22-23). I love these words. Why? Gideon didn’t believe the hype. He knew exactly who had rescued Israel, he knew who the TRUE leader was and thus he proclaimed, “not me, but GOD.” Have ever heard a really good pastor/teacher? One who just brings you into the presence of God, one that just makes you want to open your bible, and go over every word he just said? Here’s a newsflash, it is not the pastor, it is God’s spirit moving you to a place of communion with Him. However many times we mistakenly think it’s the vessel and not the one pouring into the vessel that deserves the praise. Sometimes to the determent of our pastor/teachers who are just as human and we are, and therefore prone to believe the hype. Remember Gideon’s victory? Well so did he. He was totally aware that he had nothing to do with the win, and that God had everything to do with it. Here’s the lesson: Our pastors are just the vessels, it is God who deserves the praise.