Today’s Reading: Judges 8:1-21; Psalm 41

Early in the morning, Jerub-Baal (that is, Gideon) and all his men camped at the spring of Harod. The camp of Midian was north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh. The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, ‘My own strength has saved me.’ Now announce to the army, ‘Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained. — Judges 7:1-3

FEAR CAUSED THEM TO MISS AN OPPORTUNITY.

22,000 men had the opportunity to join the Lord in battle against the Midianites, but missed it because they were too afraid. 22,000 men, when given the opportunity to walk away from the battlefield, chose to put their own emotions ahead of their faith in God. The outcome of the battle remained the same, but these men would always look back at the story of God’s faithfulness with regret. It would be a constant reminder that they let fear stand between them and an opportunity to participate in the Lord’s victory.

So Gideon took the men down to the water. There the Lord told him, “Separate those who lap the water with their tongues as a dog laps from those who kneel down to drink.” Three hundred of them drank from cupped hands, lapping like dogs. All the rest got down on their knees to drink.

The Lord said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go home.” So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites home but kept the three hundred, who took over the provisions and trumpets of the others. — Judges 7:5-8

FOOLISHNESS CAUSED THEM TO MISS AN OPPORTUNITY.

It is wise to keep your eyes up, to be constantly watching for the attack of the enemy. 9,700 took their eyes off the horizon in order to enjoy the temporary pleasure of the water, and they were sent home to their families. Only those who were wise and aware were left to be used by God for the upcoming battle.

Gideon and his three hundred men, exhausted yet keeping up the pursuit, came to the Jordan and crossed it. He said to the men of Sukkoth, “Give my troops some bread; they are worn out, and I am still pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”
But the officials of Sukkoth said, “Do you already have the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna in your possession? Why should we give bread to your troops?” — Judges 8:4-6

SELFISHNESS CAUSED THEM TO MISS AN OPPORTUNITY.

The leaders of Sukkoth had the opportunity to share their God-given provisions with those who were called by God to stand on the front line of the battle, but they chose to be stingy with what they had. We could quickly read over this and miss the reflection of our own selfishness in this story. How often does our pastor stand in front of the congregation and present the needs of the church and our response is to decline the opportunity. It’s someone else’s turn. I gave in the last offering. Maybe once I see other people giving, I will make my contribution. Now is not a good time, but I could possibly give in the future. Hanging on tight to all God has given us can cause us to miss an opportunity to be used by God in the life of someone in need.

Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor!
The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble. – Psalm 41:1

DO NOT LET ANYTHING CAUSE YOU TO MISS AN OPPORTUNITY.

Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. – Galatians 6:10

“When these things begin to happen, watch out! You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me.” – Mark 13:9

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. – Ephesians 5:15-17

Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. – Colossians 4:4-6

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. – James 1:2

Lord, thank you for the opportunities you will give us today. Give us the courage to trust you, the wisdom to keep our eyes up, and the compassion to share with those in need. May we never miss a moment to be used by you in the lives of those around us. May we be present on the battlefield so that we can celebrate your victory. Amen.