Now it’s time to return to the book of Judges and the Story of Gideon. It’s only a small amount of scripture but it is an amazing textbook about living life according to God’s plan.
Gideon has finally won the battle against the Midianites. It seemed too massive to ever happen. But it happened. God had gone to great effort to help Gideon believe that it could take place. God also had done quite a work in Gideon so he would have the confidence that was needed to follow God’s plan. So now the victory is glorious, right? Well, think again.
Often after a victory, someone comes along and criticizes the leader. It should of been done this way or that way. That’s the nature of being a leader. Gideon was out on the point and he was the hero to some but he was criticized by others. The Tribe of Ephraim was a group that criticized him.
Then the men of Ephraim said to him, “What is this thing you have done to us,
not calling us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they contended with
him vigorously. Judges 8:1
Ephraim was mad because Gideon didn’t let them in on the fun well he did ask them to assist toward the end of the battle. (Judges 7:24-25). They weren’t in the forefront but helped cement the victory. No limelight for Ephraim. Oh, we know what happens when someone who wants the attention but doesn’t get what they think they should. They start flinging criticism and that’s what happened.
What’s the application?
If you are a leader expect criticism. If you are not a leader, recognize the leadership role is not easy and many people take pot-shots at the commander. The leader has enough critics, let’s strive not to be one.
