Judges 18:26

"Handfuls of Purpose"

For All Gleaners

"When Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned." Judges 18:26 .

Different estimates of strength. Men are tested by circumstances. If the pursuers had been fewer, Micah would have summoned up courage and acted differently. He gave way. as men are now doing, to the force of numbers. "Follow not a multitude to do evil." The lesson is repeated in the experience of many; as, for example, in the experience of the young man who explains his conduct by saying that all his companions are pressing in one direction, and that it would be folly for him to attempt to resist them. It applies also to the custom or fashion of the day. Men say, As well be out of the world as be out of the fashion. When they see that the customs of society are too strong for them, they themselves turn, sophistically and foolishly arguing that it is in vain for one man to suppose that he can turn back the tide of public opinion or the flood of universally-established custom. All history proves that solitary men have often been stronger than multitudes. The only counting which we should permit ourselves to adopt is a reckoning as to the presence of God with us in our enterprises; assured that he goes forth with us, we have nothing to do with any other arithmetic. Though an host should encamp against us, God will be our confidence, and will bring in our judgment and triumph. Always ask on which side is God, on which side is Jesus Christ, on which side is conscience: and, having ascertained that side, there need be no further enumeration of forces. The good man always says, and in saying it redoubles his courage, They that be for me are more than those that be against me.