After the Victory

Judges 8; Psalms 42; 1 Corinthians 15 

“The Israelites said to Gideon, ‘Rule over us – you, your son and your grandson – because you have saved us out of the hand of Midian.’ But Gideon told them, ‘I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The Lord will rule over you.’”

Judges 8:22, 23

Even after the repeated, miraculous victories of 300 men over tens of thousands of Midianites, the people of Israel still pointed to Gideon as the one who had delivered them. However, Gideon knew it was the hand of the Lord, not his own courage that had defeated the enemy.

After significant spiritual victories, who do we point to?

It is immediately after a victory that leaders are most vulnerable. Gideon pointed the people to the Lord, but then he collected plunder to make a gold ephod for guidance and worship, and took many wives. Idolatry and lust turned Israel away from the worship of the Living God. While we tell the stories of the big battles and victories in our lives, it is the daily discipleship of walking with the Lord, following his Word, and obeying him which is our greatest testimony.

“Lord God, I humble myself before you and choose purity, worship, and obedience in walking with you this day, for your glory.”