Scripture:

“God gave you victory over Oreb and Zeeb, the commanders of the Midianite army. What have I accomplished compared to that?” When the men of Ephraim heard Gideon’s answer, their anger subsided.

Observation:

The people of Ephraim argue with Gideon, demanding to know why they weren’t invited to the battle against the Midianites. Gideon answers with humility, and points out that it was God not Gideon who gave them victory.

Gideon then leads his arm in pursuit of Zebah and Zulanna and their warriors. They stop at Succoth and at Peniel to ask for food for their exhausted warriors. At both places they are told to bring back the heads of these men and then they will feed the army. Gideon vows to punish both of these towns.

Gideon moves onward, capturing Zebah and Zalunna, along with their warriors. As promised, he returns to Succoth and Peniel to punish them for refusing to help him.

Application:

The Lord makes it clear all along that He was the one who was giving Israel the victory over their enemies. The Lord had sent away most of the army in order to demonstrate His sovereignty. Now, after the victory has been won, the people of Ephraim complain that they were never invited to the party.

Gideon wisely responds to their complaints with humility. “The Lord gave us this victory,” he says. “This is not about who fights and it is not about me.”

When we are faced with opposition and complaints, we should never be defensive. The way forward is to point our opponents to Jesus. As a follower of Jesus, anything I might do is for His glory; my achievements are His victory.

It is never about me. It is all about Jesus.

Prayer:

Lord, please help me to maintain my focus on you. You are the one who deserves glory today and every day. Amen.