Many Americans and Presidents have made their way to the center of Arlington Cemetery where there stands a monument that is beloved by all Americans. It is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Guarded 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by the Old Guard of the United States Army, this monument has engraved on it these words:
“Here Rests In Honored Glory An American Soldier Known But To God”.”
It’s hard to view that sight and not be moved.
Gideon's army of 300 men. The Lord, pursuing self-reliance in the human heart, slashes Israel's army from 32,000 soldiers all the way down to 300. Even though 32,000 was still a small number in comparison to the Midianite force, the Lord wanted to prove beyond a doubt who should receive the glory for this upcoming victory.
Judges 7:15-18
15 And so it was, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, that he worshiped. He returned to the camp of Israel, and said, “Arise, for the Lord has delivered the camp of Midian into your hand.”
16 Then he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet into every man’s hand, with empty pitchers, and torches inside the pitchers.
17 And he said to them, “Look at me and do likewise; watch, and when I come to the edge of the camp you shall do as I do:
18 When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then you also blow the trumpets on every side of the whole camp, and say, ‘The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!’ ”
You don't need any military background to recognize the irrationality of this plan. 300 men, equipped with musical instruments, pottery, and a little bit of fire, are supposed to destroy an incredibly powerful army. There's no high-tech weaponry and no innovative military strategies - it's clear that this battle plan has no hope outside a divine miracle.
If you know the story, you know the result. These three measly companies surround the camp and simultaneously blow their trumpets and smash their jars, watching as the Midianites - in confusion and terror - start killing each other. Israel pursues their enemy, destroys them, and proceeds to live at peace for 40 years (Judges 8:28).
Scripture makes it clear that Gideon, his army of 300 men, and the battle plan had no ability whatsoever to succeed against the Midianites. And that's exactly why God chose each one.
We love the story of the strong and independent hero who succeeds against all odds. But the reality is that we are weak and dependent creatures with no hope of succeeding apart from divine grace. That's why God says to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Today you don't face the army of Midian - you face an even more dangerous and seductive enemy. It's called sin. Sin is always about your heart being ruled by something other than your Redeemer, and you have no independent ability to defeat that enemy.
Your hope is found in the same place where Gideon, his army of 300 soldiers, and the battle plan found hope: Emmanuel. In moments when you feel weak; in moments when you're confused; in moments when you're struggling and not up to the task - don’t run and don't quit. Walk forward in faith because Emmanuel has come, and He is with you.
We need to set up a battle plan in our life. The battle plan needs to be well thought out, written out, and ready to place into action. We must learn to depend upon God and call out to him when Satan is hot on our trail.