Follow the Leader

I played many active games in my childhood. Among the most popular were Tag, Not It, Hide and Seek, Capture the Flag, Red Rover, Steal the Bacon, and Tackle the Man with the Ball. These usually had specific rules to which all players agreed to adhere. All except Tackle the Man with the Ball. That was simply a free for all. Injuries happened. It was rough. Girls were excluded. We boys didn't want to get hurt.

Follow the Leader had more variations than any of these games. Someone was chosen to lead. The leader would set the pace as the others followed over, under, around, into, and sometimes even through obstacles. It was somewhat like the basketball game of H-O-R-S-E. Others had to closely imitate the exact manner in which the leader passed each barrier or hurdle. Sometimes we played if you made a mistake, you were out. It wasn't much fun to sit out. More often we played if you messed up on any part, you went to the rear but continued in the game.

Reminiscing about these games reminded me of the story of Gideon in Judges 7:17-18 (NIV): "Watch me," Gideon told them. "Follow my lead. When I get to the edge of the camp, do exactly as I do. When I and all who are with me blow our trumpets, then from all around the camp blow yours and shout, 'For the Lord and for Gideon.'"

Through this intriguing and intricate game of Follow the Leader, Gideon and his 300 followers were able to surprise a much larger force. Outnumbered 450 to 1, the Israelites defeated the Midianites decisively. Their secret to absolute victory was to follow precisely their Leader's instructions.

They did exactly what God had told Gideon. They blew the trumpets, broke the jars, shouted the shout, and they won! In life if we Follow the Leader (God), we win!