Bigger isn't always better

In today's world, we often hear the phrase, "the more, the better". We believe that strength lies in numbers, that victory is assured by having a vast army. However, in God's unique economy, the mantra often resonates as "less is more", and this profound principle is brought to life in the story of Gideon.

Our journey begins in Judges chapter 7, a part of the Bible that records a time when the Israelites were oppressed by a massive army and needed a miraculous deliverance. Enter Gideon - an unlikely hero called by God to lead an army against the oppressors, the Midianites.

Initially, Gideon assembled an impressive army of 32,000 soldiers. However, God had a different plan. He told Gideon that this army was too large, expressing concern that victory would lead Israel to believe it was their strength and skill that had won the war, rather than divine intervention. So, God instructed Gideon to send home anyone who was timid or afraid. This downsizing reduced the army to just 10,000 soldiers.

Still, God declared the number to be too high. Gideon was then guided to further reduce his troops based on how they drank water at a spring. After this peculiar selection process, Gideon's army was whittled down to a mere 300 men. This was a drastic downsizing from a ratio of 4 Midianites to 1 Israelite, to now having 450 Midianites for every Israelite!

God had a plan, a masterstroke that was as unconventional as it was effective. Gideon was given assurance through divine signs and a dream that the victory would indeed be theirs. Gideon, now full of faith, armed his soldiers not with swords and shields, but with trumpets, torches, and clay pots. Their battle plan was simple: make a lot of noise in the middle of the night.

As the 300 men blew their trumpets, smashed their pots, and shouted, the enemy was thrown into chaos. They turned on each other in their confusion, and the mighty Midianite army was defeated without the Israelites having to lift a sword.

This remarkable story underscores the principle that in God's hands, "less is more". God purposely downsized Gideon's army so that the victory could only be attributed to Him. His power shines the brightest when we are at our weakest, showing us that we do not have to rely on our strength.

As new believers, we can take great comfort from Gideon's story. We may sometimes feel weak, inadequate, and outnumbered in life's battles. But remember, God can use our weaknesses and turn them into His victories. We don't have to be the strongest, the bravest, or the most numerous. We just need to have faith and allow God to work through us. After all, in God's economy, less is indeed more.

​- Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 7/30/23.