With only 300 men, Gideon had routed the vast Midianite army. Trumpets sounded, jars shattered, torches appeared in the darkness, and confusion swept through the enemy camp. What seemed impossible had happened: God had given Israel the victory.
But before Gideon could enjoy it, the men of Ephraim confronted him:
“Why have you treated us like this? Why didn’t you call us when you went to fight Midian?”
—Judges 8:1
Gideon had just risked his life to deliver Israel, yet instead of receiving gratitude, he received criticism.
That can happen after a victory. You accomplish something difficult, make progress, or finally experience a breakthrough—and someone immediately points out what you did wrong. The temptation is to defend yourself, rehearse everything you have sacrificed, and make certain your critic knows exactly how unreasonable the accusation is.
Gideon could have reminded the Ephraimites that they had not been standing beside him when he faced the Midianite camp with only 300 men. Instead, he answered gently. He honored their contribution and played down his own:
“What have I accomplished compared to you?”
—Judges 8:2
His words calmed their anger.
Proverbs later expressed the principle plainly:
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
—Proverbs 15:1
Gideon won the battle outside himself by refusing to allow offense to win the battle inside him. He did not need to win the argument. He needed to preserve unity so the pursuit could continue.
Sometimes the greatest threat following a victory is not the enemy running away from us. It is the offense rising within us.
A sermon from Shoreline Church. Austin, TX.
Next week:
They were not strong, refreshed, or eager. They were exhausted.
Yet they were still pursuing.
