How does Judges 8:35 highlight the importance of gratitude in our lives? Setting the Scene - Judges 8:35: “they did not show kindness to the house of Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) for all the good he had done for Israel.” - After forty years of peace under Gideon, Israel quickly forgot both the LORD’s deliverance and the leader He used. - Their lapse is not merely social ingratitude; it is spiritual amnesia. Forgetting Gideon’s goodness reveals they have already forgotten God’s greater goodness (vv. 33–34). A Portrait of Ingratitude - “They did not show kindness” — the Hebrew word speaks of covenant loyalty, the same steadfast love God shows His people. - Israel benefited from Gideon’s bravery but refused even basic courtesy to his family once he was gone. - Ingratitude becomes the first visible sign that a heart is drifting from God (cf. Romans 1:21). Why Gratitude Matters - Gratitude keeps us aware of the Giver behind every gift (James 1:17). - Thankfulness guards against pride; it reminds us we did not save ourselves (Deuteronomy 8:11–14). - A grateful spirit nourishes covenant relationships—both with God and with those He uses to bless us. Scriptural Echoes - Psalm 103:2: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits—” - 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” - Luke 17:17: “But Jesus replied, ‘Were not ten cleansed? Where then are the other nine?’” – Only one leper returned; the pattern of ingratitude persists through history. Consequences of Forgetting Gratitude - Spiritual decline: Israel’s ingratitude flows into idolatry with Baal-berith (Judges 8:33). - Relational breakdown: failure to honor Gideon’s house breeds injustice and division. - Loss of blessing: when thankfulness dies, so does the desire to obey, leading to cycles of oppression in Judges. Practical Takeaways for Today - Keep a daily record of God’s mercies; review it regularly. - Verbally acknowledge people God uses in your life—parents, mentors, friends. - Incorporate thanksgiving into corporate worship; sing and speak of specific deliverances. - Teach children the stories of God’s faithfulness so forgetfulness does not take root (Psalm 78:4). Living the Lesson Gratitude is not an optional courtesy; it is covenant faithfulness. Judges 8:35 exposes the danger of neglecting it and calls us to remember, recount, and respond to God’s goodness—and to honor those He works through—with heartfelt thanks. |
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