A Soldier Worthy for Battle

            Read: Judges 7:1-8, 17

During the time of the judges, the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord and were consequently delivered into the hands of the Midianites for seven years (Judg 6:1). Through their groaning the Lord raised a judge named Gideon, who fought and triumphed over their oppressors. Judges chapter 7 records the selection of the soldiers in preparation for the battle. Thirty-two thousand men came out but only three hundred were found worthy for battle. So what made these three hundred soldiers more worthy than the others?

These soldiers were fearless and courageous. They displayed courage when they refused to return home after they were given the opportunity at the well of Harod. Instead, they willingly chose to stay with Gideon to fight against their oppressors. As Christians, we must also willingly answer the Lord’s call and stand firm when called to fight. We must defend the truth with courage, for the Lord will deliver our enemies into our hands if we trust and stand strong in Him.

These men were also watchful and vigilant. Lapping water from their hands instead of kneeling showed that they were on constant, high alert. They would be able to defend if the enemy was to make a surprise attack. Those who knelt to lap water from the river did not display vigilance or self-control, and it would be easy for them to be caught unaware.

Our adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion seeking any chance to devour us, and it is important that we stay sober and vigilant at all times (1 Pet 4:8). This is achieved through daily prayers and Bible reading. If we slack in our communion with God, we may unexpectedly find ourselves far away from Him and in the clutches of the evil one.

No one enters into battle without preparation. The Israelites who went to war prepared food, weaponry and their trumpets. We, too, need to equip ourselves for war and put on the full armor of God. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against the rulers of darkness (Eph 6:11-18), and only when we are prepared are we able to defeat the powers of darkness.

A battle cannot be effective unless the soldiers are obedient to their commander. The three hundred men did according to what Gideon instructed and went forth in one mind and one heart to gain victory over the Midianites. A spiritual battle is only won by submitting to the Lord Jesus Christ and His church. He is our commander and we are His soldiers. We need to listen to the commandments of Christ and march together in unity with our brethren. We need to build up the church and fight the spiritual battle as one body—with one heart and mind.

The three hundred strong men defeated the Midianites, and all of Israel enjoyed forty years of peace. Not only were the men willing, courageous, alert, and prepared, they were submissive to Gideon and the Lord their God. As Christian soldiers we need to strive to possess these characteristics so that we will also be found worthy when called to battle.

            Questions for reflection:

            1.  What can we do to prepare ourselves for a spiritual battle?
2.  What are some of the spiritual battles we face today?