DCLM Daily Manna 2 March 2022 Devotional By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — A Soft Answer
TOPIC: A Soft Answer
TEXT: Judges 8:1-3 (KJV)
1 And the men of Ephraim said unto him, Why hast thou served us thus, that thou calledst us not, when thou wentest to fight with the Midianites? And they did chide with him sharply.
2 And he said unto them, What have I done now in comparison of you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?
3 God hath delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb: and what was I able to do in comparison of you? Then their anger was abated toward him, when he had said that.
KEY VERSE: “God hath delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb: and what was I able to do in comparison of you? Then their anger was abated toward him, when he had said that”(JUDGES 8:3).
MESSAGE:
The scriptural truth that a soft answer turns away wrath played out well in the situation between Gideon and the aggrieved men of Ephraim over the battle against the Midianites. In all good conscience and truth, Gideon had sought God and indeed the support of other Israelites including the men of Ephraim in the present war against Midian.
It was reported that “Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto Beth-barah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters unto Beth-barah and Jordan” (Judges 7:24). The Ephraimites turned around to confront Gideon for not mobilising them to join the battle from the beginning. They did not bear in mind that it was God’s battle, as He scaled down the number of soldiers earlier assembled for this battle. The attitude of the feuding Ephraimites was not founded on reasonable grounds.
However, the reaction of Gideon to the Ephraimites in this circumstance is commendable. We should not join issues with individuals who are in the wrong and do not understand the mind of God and the workings of His Spirit. Gideon knew that he had not offended any man, but still rendered detailed apologies to his chiding brothers.
We must learn to follow peace with all men and maintain holiness of life without which no man shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). God will avert all troubles for us as we follow His directive and trust Him for promised victory.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
A soft answer is golden indeed.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Corinthians 5-9
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
