Great Warrior - Gracious Peacemaker

Nº 212

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - August 23, 2022

The true test of a man’s spirituality is not his ability to speak, as we are apt to think, but rather his ability to bridle his tongue. - Kent Hughes

God gave Gideon a stunning victory. With only 300 soldiers, some water pots, trumpets, and torches, God allowed Gideon to destroy a huge army of invading Midianites and Amalekites.

If I had been Gideon, I would have expected a parade, an interview on national TV, and maybe a street named in my honor. What happened to Gideon instead? One of the Israelite tribes felt slighted and snidely said, “Now the Ephraimites asked Gideon, “Why have you treated us like this? Why didn’t you call us when you went to fight Midian? And they criticized him sharply.’” (Judges 8:1)

Someone once said, no good deed goes unpunished! That was the case with Gideon. Risking his life, trusting God, overcoming his fear, and obeying God’s command brought him harsh and undeserved criticism.

Gideon did not react in anger or strike back with a counterattack of his own. Instead, he complimented his critics for their economic strength and military prowess. He even used a little self-deprecation to soothe his angry foes. (Judges 8:2-3)

Gideon was a victorious warrior, but he was also a gracious peacemaker. He lived out the ancient proverb, “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” (Proverbs 15:1a) And he left us a stellar example of how to respond to unjust criticism today!

Dan Bolin President Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc