With the advent of advanced technology, the downsizing of staff in offices, banks, and private sectors has become a norm. God commanded Gideon to downsize his army. Volunteers were 32000 who wanted to go and fight. However, Lord said they are too many and should reduce their numbers. (Judges 7:2-3)
Self-glory: God does not share his glory with humans. If the army wins, they would have boasted about their prowess in war and would not give God the glory. (Isaiah 42:8) Another reason was that those who came were neither spiritually mature nor mentally prepared for warfare.
Afraid and trembling: As God instructed, Gideon proclaimed those who are afraid and trembling may return to their home. 22000 returned. They were emotionally excited but were not mentally ready for warfare. The excitement turned into fear when they heard the proclamation of Gideon.
Lack of focus: The Lord told Gideon that ten thousand people were too many for the Lord to deliver Israel. The ten thousand were led beside the water. 300 of them drank water without kneeling or making themselves comfortable, like dogs. (Judges 7:5-8) These 300 were aware that they were called for a purpose, should be alert and focused, and should not lower their guard. The 9700 made themselves comfortable and drank water leisurely, hence, disqualified themselves.
Waited for an invitation: Apart from these 32000 people were of the tribe of Ephraim. They did not volunteer, but after Gideon’s victory, demanded why they were not invited. But Gideon was tactic to reply: “Then the men of Ephraim said to him, “What is this that you have done to us, not to call us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they accused him fiercely. 2 And he said to them, “What have I done now in comparison with you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the grape harvest of Abiezer? (Judges 8:1,2)
Set aside: God will set aside those who seek self-glory, are afraid, timid, not alert, not focused, and demand an invitation to serve. God uses those who willingly, and joyfully come forward to serve him.
Am I spiritually prepared to serve the Lord?