Gideon 3

Gideon 3
Judges 7:24-8:23

Over the past two weeks we have seen the exciting story of Gideon from the book of Judges.
Two weeks ago we saw God pick his man.
Gideon was an unlikely choice, but God knew that Gideon would submit to His will and obey the most difficult of commands.

Our Hero in Hiding was soon a Commoner Commissioned. His Midnight Raid served as an example to us as we seek to be the kind of leader God wants us to be.

Last week we saw the most well-known part of the story, in which Gideon immediately followed the leading of the Holy Spirit and then sought to prove the Lord's specific directions.
Next, God weeded out the fearful and the careless, but then took special care to encourage His chosen leadership.
Gideon paid close attention to effective methods and God gave him a miraculous victory.

Today we will see a part of the story rarely noticed in the usual telling of Gideon's tale.

There are a couple of facts that hold true in all situations and certainly apply to Gideon's case:

1.) Any great victory is followed by many new responsibilities.
2.) Any great victory is followed by unreasonable complaints.
3.) Any great victory is followed by great opposition.

Our text is not an easy text.
As a matter of fact, there is some difficulty and harshness in the Scripture we will read this morning.
I would challenge you to open your heart and seek to find the message that God has for you this morning.

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As you will recall, Gideon had gone against Midian with a scant 300 chosen men.
This was not a normal way to go to battle, but it was how God had led him.
Now, having defeated them by God's miraculous power, Gideon and his 300 had Midian on the run.
Now it was time to get others involved.
Gideon sent swift messengers to the great tribe of Ephraim.
Ephraim's response was as could be expected from a military tribe.
They rushed to aid in the fight and defeated the fleeing Midianite, even taking the two greatest leaders and slaying them.
It is their complaint after the battle that brings us to our first point this morning.

Ephraim was offended that Gideon had not involved them immediately.
Such is often the case when well-intended people gather to a work.
Ephraim felt that Gideon should have called them before going against the Midianites.
They did not understand God's specific leading in Gideon's life.
They could not have comprehended why God would want to start the battle with only 300.

Gideon could have said, "Hey, get over it!" "You probably would have been weeded out with the careless anyway!"
Gideon could have been angered at their offense and told them to grow up.

Instead, he provides and example for dealing with offenses that is consistent with Scriptural teaching on the subject.

> When faced with hurt feelings answer with grace. Vs.1-3
Pr 15:1 ¶ A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Gideon gave them the credit for the great work that they had done and trivialized his own accomplishments in order to appease them.
This shows humility and grace in leadership.

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The next point is taken from the negative actions of some who were afraid to participate until victory was guaranteed.
This is so often the case in times that call for added participation.

It seems people are afraid to be a part of something that has less than a guarantee of success.
Faith is taken out of the picture and fear takes its place.
People say, "tell me when you have more people and we will come" or, "Tell me when you have a building of your own and then we will join."
What they don't seem to realize is that God could use them to do a great work right now and they could share in the great victories to come.

> When faced with opportunity to do good, never hesitate. Vs. 4-17
It is time we decided that we will step forward at every opportunity and answered God call to the work.

The people of Succoth and Penuel were afraid that if they jumped in to help that they would be forced to pay for it later.
They had determined they would live their lives guided by fear instead of faith.

What is it that holds you back from joining the battle and supporting God's leadership.
Are you afraid of what someone will say?
Are you afraid of what it will cost you?

Cast your fears aside and step forward in faith and join the fray.
God will bless you for it.
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The next and final point this morning is in verses 22 and 23.

Gideon was given the opportunity to take the glory for his great victories and even be promoted to supreme ruler.
His response teaches us that it is better to give credit to God than to seek for promotion of self.

> When faced with the temptation to steal the glory from God, decline. Vs. 22,23

Gideon was concerned with one thing, that God might rule and His will alone be done.
What people thought of him personally was of little concern in light of what they thought of God.

Certainly, as you research further, Gideon's leadership you will find he made some mistakes, but his concern for God's will made him a great leader.

The people had rest for 40 years while Gideon was judge of Israel.

Let us determine that we will never fall to the temptation to lift up ourselves when we could lift up God.

As He was the only One who could save us from our sins, He is the only One who can give us great victory in our lives.

Many will suffer the penalty of their sins because they have decided that they are self sufficient.
They believe that some good work of their own will grant them favor with God and earn them a place in heaven.
These people will die in their sin of they do not recognize that only the great work of Calvary can purchase a place in heaven.
If you would like to accept God's great gift of eternal life you can do that today while we sing the invitation hymn.

Perhaps you have been challenged by some other portion of the passage this morning and would like to reaffirm your commitment to the Lord.
That is why we give you this opportunity to make things right with God.
Won't you come?