Today’s Devotion
Topic: Sheer Numbers Or Competence? (Self Assessment 68)
BACKGROUND: There is strength in numbers and it is true. However, what is the use of numbers to the set goals if the said number is full of uncommitted and unreliable comrades; lacking both courage and competence to get the job done. Honestly, it may be more useful to keep a sizable number of fellows who are dedicated to the common goal and have the ability to deliver, than to maintain a crowd of feeble and unwilling hands. Let us uncover more from our bible passage below.
Text: Judges 7: 1- 7
1 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.
2 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.’
3 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. 4 But the Lord said to Gideon, “There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will thin them out for you there. If I say, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go; but if I say, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.”
5 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.” 6 Three hundred of them drank from cupped hands, lapping like dogs. All the rest got down on their knees to drink.
7 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.” Amen
Questions:
i. According to vrs 1 & 2, what was the main reason why God wanted Gideon’s army size slashed down?
ii. After the announcement that those who were afraid could go home, more than two thirds gladly walked away. So if they were afraid all along, why do you think they remained in camp pretending to be ok?
iii. How can we relate the above to our contemporary social setting? Is it possible that some people sign up for things they are totally unprepared for? What are some of the reasons for that?
iv. Why will it be necessary for every leader to ascertain the willingness and competence of volunteers before tasking them?
v. In vrs 4 & 5, we see God direct Gideon with a simple technique to further select those who will be more efficient than the others. What do you think was the ration behind the selection technique? Why would such a technique be useful in war?
vi. According to vrs 6 & 7, only 300 men passed the test and God promised to deliver Israel by Gideon’s 300 valiant men. What does this tell about God, and about His search for prepared minds to use for His glory?
vii. What have you learnt from today’s study? How is it going to impart your life, career and ministry?
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