VICTORY IN OBEDIENCE
Judges 7:9-25
V. 8: “So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites to their tents but kept the three hundred, who took over the provisions and trumpets of the others.”
Judges 7:9-25
V. 8: “So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites to their tents but kept the three hundred, who took over the provisions and trumpets of the others.”
“How do you think we can win this battle with only trumpets, jars, and torches, Jerub-Baal(Gideon's name)?” Gideon’s soldier wondered aloud (Judges 7:16). He looked around. The Midianites, Amalekites, and other eastern peoples encamped around the Israelites. “We’re surrounded!” he shrieked.
“Why did you release almost 32,000 men, Gideon?” another soldier inquired. “The enemy is as thick as locusts in the valley. Their camels are too numerous to count!” (Judges 7:3-12).
Gideon was quaking in his boots, pacing back and forth. Running his fingers through his hair, he knew his battle tactics were crazy. Why aren’t we taking our swords? he thought. Three hundred men, armed with only trumpets, pitchers, and torches—against these Midianites? Is God kidding? What a pitiful army! Dare I attempt warfare the traditional way—with swords? DUH! We had a formable 33,000 troops before I dismissed so many! Oh my! Give me strength, Lord!
The Lord’s ways can seem illogical, risky, even stupid. Can we trust His indisputable wisdom, depend on His sovereign mighty power? God tends to blast our comfort zones into orbit, torching our self-reliance to dust when teaching us trust. His battle tactic is successful at building both trust and faith. He also recognizes our fragility, spotting every weakness, knowing our vulnerability, and compassionately supplies us courage. He allowed Gideon a sneak peek, a preview of the upcoming battle.
Gideon and his servant, Purah, sneaked into the outskirts of the enemies’ camp. They overheard a soldier’s dream. “A round loaf of barley bread came tumbling into the Midianite camp. It smashed the tent to smithereens.”
Another man replied, “This can only mean that God guarantees Gideon’s victory!” (Judges 7:13-14).
Gideon and Purah backed out, and returned to their own camp. Gideon’s heart swelled with courage, proud to serve His awesome God. Jehovah knew I’m too wimpy to believe Him without giving me this assurance he thought. “Prepare for battle, Purah. We’ve got a war to win!”
In the enemies confusion and fear of darkness, panic led to their self-destruction (Judges 7:22).
Take Home Nugget
If Gideon had disobeyed the Lord and refused to discharge so many troops, or attacked the enemy with swords drawn, the Israeli army would have been utterly defeated. But when God’s kids obey divine commands—despite that they seem irrationally foolish—victory is guaranteed.
When we work in obedience, God works behind the scenes, ensuring our victory.
Go forward, dear child.
Make no mistake, this battle looks ludicrous.
Fear not. For you, the Father is mild.
Your course will never be ridiculous!
J.D. Griffith
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