The Everyday Prayer

Re:Verse reading–Judges 11:1-6, 28-40 (day seven)

“Jephthah was a valiant warrior, but he was the son of a harlot.”–v 1

He was a mixed bag.  Who isn’t?  Mighty warrior.  Strong and courageous.  Part of his drive, I suspect, came from his early childhood trauma.  Rejected by his family, he worked the rest of his life for achievement and approval.

Sometimes unconscious and unhealed wounds make a person unstable.  One day, in a very unwise moment, Jephthah foolishly risked his family in pursuit of the success he so desperately craved.  He vowed to sacrifice whatever or whoever came out of his tent on his victorious return.  What was he thinking?

We are all mixed bags.  Spiritual and fleshly.  Healed and still healing.  Wounded warriors. “Who will set me free from the body of this death?” said Paul one day in the midst of his own mixed-bagness.  “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord”–Romans 7:24-25.

I’m a mixed bag.  Christ isn’t.  Reminds me to always walk in His Spirit.

Re:Verse reading–Judges 11:1-6, 28-40 (day five)

What are the lessons you’ve learned from scripture? How has scripture shaped your character and heart? How does scripture guide you through decisions, choices, and commitments?

Fast forward in the story of Jephthah. When word came back from the king of the Ammonites, Jephthah’s response was a retelling of Numbers 20. In fact, it was 100% accurate. HE KNEW THOSE SCRIPTURES.

Let me suggest 3 evidences that the scripture shaped Jephthah’s life and heart. 1) Jephthah extended mercy to the elders (probably included his brothers) of Gilead by his willingness to help and lead them. 2) Jephthah upon being made leader, intentionally spends time in prayer and conversation with God. 3) Jephthah’s first response (as a mighty warrior) was to seek a peaceful resolution with the Ammonites.

Ps 119- Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!
You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently.
Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!

Re:Verse reading–Judges 11:1-6, 28-40 (day four)

Verse 29 – “Now the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah.”

We are told that Jephthah was a valiant warrior.  He had a reputation for his prowess as a soldier.  When he was driven away from Gilead, even the worthless men of Tob recognized him as a leader to be followed.  (Fast forward in history to a time when the Ammonites were again attacking Israel.  They hired 12,000 mercenaries from Tob to attack King David of Israel.  This time they were not led by a God-fearing man.  The results were much different.)  Even with his great strength and skill as a warrior though, the true key to his victory is given here in verse 29.  The Spirit of the Lord rested on Jephthah and he was victorious over the sons of Ammon.

In our lives…our position, our reputation for greatness, or our support of thousands will make no difference if we are not abiding with the Lord.  When God’s Spirit directs our lives, there is victory!

Re:Verse reading–Judges 11:1-6, 28-40 (day three)

“Come,” they said, “be our commander, so we can fight the Ammonites.”  When God made man, he made something good.  That goodness rises up in the form of, among other things, resilience.  We tend to gauge a person’s ability based on circumstances: “Odds are,” we say, “he won’t rise to the task.”  But man is either resilient or he is not.  He has either been made by God or he has not.  When someone knows–and believes–that God has made him, he will indeed rise.  He looks not at his ending.  He looks at his origin.

Re:Verse reading–Judges 11:1-6, 28-40 (day two) “Gilead’s wife bore him sons; and when his wife’s sons grew up, they drove Jephthah out and said to him, ‘You shall not have an inheritance in our father’s house, for you are the son of another woman.'” vs. 2

“But the king of the sons of Ammon disregarded the message which Jephthah sent him.” vs. 28

Tragic story. Not at all a Disney version, and born out of rejection…twice. The first time by his half-brothers who were repulsed by his illicit beginnings. Even after he had grown and the Lord had placed in a place as a Judge of Israel  he was rejected by the Ammonite King. This, perhaps, was a catalyst for the hasty pledge made towards God to sacrifice “whatever comes out of the door of my house.” God did not make that pledge, Jephthah did. Do you let your past rejections fuel your decision making process? Where God has placed you, he will use you. Let your love for him guide your path, not your fear.

Re:Verse reading–Judges 11:1-6, 28-40 (day one)

“Jephthah made a vow to the Lord, ‘whatever comes out the door of my house to meet me. . .I will sacrifice to the Lord as a burnt offering.’ “–v 30.

The Bible speaks of our conscience.  The Greek word is syneidesis.  It  means “to know with yourself”.  Refers to those things that we know, don’t question.  What is true and right.  What is good and bad.  Things we sincerely believe.

Ordinarily, the conscience is a good guide.  “Keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.”–1 Timothy 1:19

Sometimes, however (particularly when the inner mind has been shaped by culture rather than the word of God)  what we REALLY BELIEVE is not true.  An inaccurate picture of God’s character and will.

Jephthah is an example.  No one doubts his sincerity.  What we question (and should) is his view of God and what is pleasing to Him.

Re:Verse reading–Judges 7:2-8, 15-22 (day seven)

“I will deliver you with the 300 men who lapped. . .let all the others go home.”  v 7.

Maybe you saw the movie “300”.  (I am not recommending that you do)  300 Spartan soldiers hold off a massive Persian army for days and by their sacrifice, inspire all Greece to unite against a common enemy.  Thermopylae.

The Bible story is similar and better.  300 Jewish soldiers–chosen by God based on two criteria 1) not afraid–v 3,  2) not controlled by personal needs but by the mission (a secret test administered by God and evidenced by how they drank water)–defeat the Midianite invaders and declare an eternal principle.  Numbers don’t count.  Spirit does!

“You shall defeat Midian as one man”, God promised Gideon in Judges 6:16.  Actually it took 300, but the truth is the same.  If God is with you, you are ALREADY IN THE MAJORITY!  “If God be for us. . .” it doesn’t take thousands.  A few will do.

Re:Verse reading–Judges 7:2-8, 15-22 (day five)

Judges 7:10- “But if you are afraid to go down, go down to the camp with Purah your servant”.

It is such an encouragement to read and consider God’s patience with Gideon and his fear. The struggle in chapter 6 (v. 27) continues into chapter 7 (v. 10). Even though he has been given promises, signs, and has clearly been used by God, Gideon still has fear. Yet, God shows patience with Gideon and helps Gideon address his fear.

Maybe then, the goal of the life that belongs to God is NOT perfection, but rather direction. The direction being living “closer to God”. Growing in our faith and trust in God results in a closer relationship with God. We must be determined no matter what our weaknesses, fallibilities, and insecurities to continue to please and glorify God. Our courage and confidence are a direct byproduct of his kindness and patience.