Verse of the day: Judges 8:1, Now the men of Ephraim said to him, “Why have you done this to us by not calling us when you went to fight with the Midianites?” And they reprimanded him sharply.
What a fantastic example of humility by Gideon in this passage. The men of Ephraim became angry with Gideon because he failed to call them at the outset of the war against the Midianites. However, the men of Ephraim were not ignorant of the fact that this enemy was tormenting Israel. In Judges 5:14 we read, “From Ephraim were those whose roots were in Amalek. After you, Benjamin, with your peoples, from Machir rulers came down, and from Zebulun those who bear the recruiter’s staff.” This serves as proof that they were not ignorant at all of what was happening to their people, as they voluntarily lent themselves to Deborah in past conflicts against Israel’s enemies. Why was this time any different? Were they not facing an enemy that oppressed their people? The root of the problem was both jealousy and pride. Ephraim and Manasseh were always at odds. As we may recall, Jacob blessed Manasseh (the tribe from which Gideon came from) over Ephraim, and the jealousy of that blessing being bestowed on the younger son was still hot between the two tribes. The men of Gideon seemed to be more concerned about the recognition they would have received for being involved at the outset of the war, more so than caring about what Israel was suffering at the hands of the Midianites. I have to ask, “What is our motivation in serving the Lord?” “Is it about God’s glory or ours?” Gideon’s reply to their misguided accusation was one of godly wisdom. Rather than respond with anger or engage them in the argument, Gideon chose to humble himself and make light of his own accomplishments, in comparison to theirs. James 1:19-20 tell us, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” Gideon would have accomplish nothing if he had responded in the same manner to them as they had addressed him. Proverbs 13:10 reminds us, “By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom.” It is always funny to see that everyone has courage to join the battle, after the battle has been won. So it is with those who get upset when they are not called upon to help serve, when they were already aware that there was a need that existed. These are the folks that want to jump on the “glory bandwagon” after the work has been done. Gideon seemed to sense right away that their charge against him was one that was rooted in their pride. When we are dealing with others who are only seeking self-recognition for what they “do for the Lord”, we must remember that feeding into their prideful attitude will not solve anything. The enemy wants us to respond in like manner in order to cause contentions within God’s family and cause division. Gideon did not seem to take offense to the ingratitude or disrespect directed toward him. His response to them was one that was complimentary. Rather than rebuke them, and encourage strife and fighting, he complimented them in the part they played after the victory was essentially won. He gave more credit to what they had done, even though Gideon’s role deserved the greater praise. Another key reason for not being called initially, that escaped the men of Ephraim’s thinking, was the fact that it was God who was guiding Gideon in what he should do and whom he should involve. If anything, it was in their favor to come in after the initial battle, lest any of them were dismissed for being cowards or being of those whom the Lord sent back home because they were not vigilant men of war. Note one very important approach in how Gideon responded to them. Even though he gave them credit and exalted their efforts above his own, he made sure to make it clear that the glory belonged to God. In verse 3 Gideon says this, “God has delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. And what was I able to do in comparison with you?” Then their anger toward him subsided when he said that.” As the Lord’s servants, we must not only refuse to take credit that belongs to God for ourselves, and we must make sure we do not give God’s glory away to the undeserving. All that we accomplish in God’s service if for God’s glory. Those who seek their own glory will be guided, and driven, by the “beast of jealousy and pride”. Rather than engage this beast and encourage strife, the best approach to calming this beast is by responding with a genuine attitude of humility.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
No comments:
Post a Comment