You know what I find amazing?
The fact that the biggest source of Gideon’s discouragement and disappointment did NOT come from the enemy.
Instead it came from his own Hebrew brothers and allies.
His own fellow Israelites were more concerned with maintaining the status quo and not having anything interrupt their comfortable lifestyles than helping an anointed man of God win over a battle with not only his but their enemies as well.
They preferred to not rock the boat that Gideon was trying to sink per God’s command.
It wasn’t like the people of Succoth and Penuel were asked to strap on battle gear and go out and fight with Gideon’s men.
Gideon only asked for food and a place to rest up for a bit before he continued on with the battle.
Can you see how selfish and hypocritical their behavior was?
But even before Gideon’s disappointing encounter with the people of Succoth and Penuel, he was harassed by the Ephraimites with their own selfish and ego-driven demands.
It was just one discouragement after another for Gideon.
Would you have had the guts and faith to persevere after everything Gideon went through?
Honestly, I don’t think I would have.
And I don’t think your average dude out there would have either.
Most people would have interpreted all of this opposition as a sign that maybe they should just throw in the towel and quit.
I mean what military leader in his right mind would put himself and his men at such a dangerous risk to fight for a people who couldn’t even be bothered to give him and his men some bread to eat?
There’s a huge takeaway here and it is this:
Don’t be like the cold citizens of Succoth and Penuel.
Especially as it concerns Israel’s current plight in the world today.
Right now as I write these words, there are 6 million Jews surrounded by about 200 million Arabs who want to wipe Israel off the map.
In fact, the numbers are far worse.
There are actually close to a billion Muslims who stand with their Arab brothers and their desire to want to eliminate Israel.
They threaten not only Israel but also threaten those who would dare to stand with Israel.
They say give us Israel and we will stop our Jihad.
Understand that the courageous and loyal Jews living in and defending the Holy Land today are paving the way for the return of the Messiah whether they know it or not.
And all of us believers outside of the land who are grafted into the commonwealth of Israel by our faith in the Jewish Messiah are like the citizens of Succoth and Penuel.
My point is like the people of Succoth and Penuel who lived on the east side of the Jordan River, we are called to stand with the people of Israel who have to bear the brunt of horrific terrorist attacks on their innocent citizens…
While we just kick back in our cozy homes with our over-priced furniture and watch internet pornography while gorging on Cheetos.
Again, you’re not being asked to pick up a rifle and join the IDF man.
At best, you’re being asked to support Israel with your voice and and if you feel led to do so donate to responsible organizations that support Israel with your money as well.
The least you can do is NOT support Israel’s enemies my giving them money, food, land and other resources that will only help them hurt Israel.
Unfortunately, most folks living outside the land, both Jews and Gentiles remain indifferent to the Israelis now living in the land upon which the very future of all mankind lies.
In this sense, we are just like the citizens of Succoth and Penuel.
We just don’t wanna be bothered.
Well, I gotta tell you, God is watching and in His perfect timing will take vengeance on those believers who chose to remain indifferent to Israel’s plight.
Over and out.
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