Judges 8

But Gideon said to them, "I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you." (Judges 8:23)

I like the way he can answer so plainly.

If I were him, I would probably say something like, "Yes, I will help to guide you all, but remember that God is the ultimate leader and ruler." Basking in the glory, I would probably have persuaded myself to keep some praises to myself.

Gideon didn't. He did not reserve even the tiniest bit of glory for himself. His reply tells us that he did not attribute any little bit of success or strength to himself; rather, he understood very clearly and firmly that it was God who had delivered the people. He was simply a vessel of God's use. Faced with temptation, he remained strong and rooted in God, not shaken by any praises or glory showered upon him. I bet he didn't even have to think when answering the question! Probably the time from verse 22 to 23 took only a split second - when thrown the question, straightaway Gideon knew the answer. This should be the case today when our beliefs are challenged. Any hesitation would allow space for the devil to work.

The verse really struck me while I was reading the chapter. The simplicity of his reply is just so beautiful.