Judges 11-12, Luke 6:1-26 • Key Verse: Judges 12:1
A chaplain friend of mine told me that in the military they say, “There is no such thing as
friendly fire.” If it’s fire, it’s not friendly.
Far too often there is “friendly fire” in the church. Typically it is directed at those who are trying
to get things done. Those doing the firing seem to remain the same. It’s as if once a person or
group becomes critical, they stay that way.
For example, look at the Ephraimites. Jephthah was leading the fight against the Ammonites.
When called upon, the men of Ephraim did not come. Then when they did show up it was not to
help but to hurt. They threatened to burn down Jephthah’s house. Friendly fire? No such thing.
This was familiar behavior for the Ephraimites. Look at Judges 8:1. They were offended that
Gideon did not call them. While he was pursuing the enemies, they wanted their grievance
addressed. They were difficult to please, to say the least!
Whom are you like? Are you like Jephthah and Gideon, men who were actively serving God, or
are you like the Ephraimites, always ready with the friendly fire? Remember, there really is no
such thing as friendly fire.
Passages such as these help us see the difference between helping and hurting. Ask God to help
you be a helper, joining in wholeheartedly with others who are serving Him.
Woodrow Kroll & Tony Beckett
www.backtothebible.in