"Offended Over Place"

Scripture Passage

Judges 7:1-9:21

Scripture Focus

Then the people of Ephraim asked Gideon, “Why have you treated us this way? Why didn’t you send for us when you first went out to fight the Midianites?” And they argued heatedly with Gideon. (Judges 8:1 NLT)

Observation

Gideon’s story—and those of his sons Abimilech and Jotham—are full of opportunities for reflection. How different God’s plans for Gideon than Gideon’s perception of himself would allow! How interesting that God reduces Gideon’s army to 300 men! How strategic the “attack” on the Midianites—which was really no attack at all! How interesting (one might argue) that Israel’s first king was not really Saul, but Abimilech!

(I think you’d lose that argument, BTW, but if you just wanna argue about something…)

I’m thinking today, however, about the Ephraimites. For whatever reasons, when Gideon issued a “call to arms” among his brethren, the tribe of Ephraim was not included. Honestly, who knows why? —though it may well be for less than honorable reasons. Gideon (from the tribe of Manasseh) may indeed have not called on Ephraim out of “sibling rivalry”…maybe some sort of fear of being able to lead or having to share glory with his close relatives (Ephraim and Manasseh, you recall, were brothers—the sons of Joseph).

The thing is, as the Midianites flee Gideon’s army in terror, it’s the Ephraimites who end up capturing and killing the two Midianite commanders, Oreb and Zeeb. But the Ephraimites ends up ticked off at Gideon anyway!

Then the people of Ephraim asked Gideon, “Why have you treated us this way? Why didn’t you send for us when you first went out to fight the Midianites?” And they argued heatedly with Gideon. (Judges 8:1 NLT)

While conceding that the offense may be legit (from a human perspective), I’m suggesting that God *more* than evened things out (as only He could do) so…where’s the beef, really? Why all this offense over who was or wasn’t called, when or where? Is it not God’s place—if an offense actually exists—to set things right?

There’s an oft-overlooked conversation between Peter and Jesus that’s recorded in John 21. Peter, having denied Christ three times, is now being restored to a place of responsibility by Christ. And for whatever reason, Peter wants to discuss Jesus’ plans for John.

"Lord, what about him?" Peter asks. I really like Jesus’ reply.

"If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." (John 21:22 NIV)

And that’s the bottom line, isn’t it?