Today’s Tasting: Judges 10–12: Jephthah, the son of Gilead, was a great warrior, but he was despised because his mother was a prostitute. Gilead’s wife also had several sons, and when these half brothers grew up, they chased Jephthah off the land. During this time, the Israelites have again turned to worshiping other gods, and God has allowed the Philistines and the Ammorites to overpower them.
“At about this time, the Ammonites began their war against Israel. When the Ammonites attacked, the elders of Gilead sent for Jephthah in the land of Tob. The elders said, ‘Come and be our commander! Help us fight the Ammonites!’
“But Jephthah said to them, ‘Aren’t you the ones who hated me and drove me from my father’s house? Why do you come to me now when you’re in trouble?’” (Judges 11:5–7).
The elders promised to make him leader if they won the war against the Ammonites. Jephthah led the people of Gilead into battle, and the Lord gave him victory. Then Jephthah was judge of Israel for six years before he died.
Today’s Nourishment: Jephthah was scorned and ridiculed because his mother was a prostitute. His brothers turned their backs on him and drove him away from his family because they wanted to prevent him from sharing in the inheritance that would be theirs when their father died. Because of circumstances over which he had no control he found himself ostracized from his community.
However, the very people who despised him were forced to ask him to help them. They were willing to make him their leader if he would help them defeat their enemies. Notice that Jephthah appears to have kept faith with God, and speaks to Him about his plans (see Judges 11:9–11).
This shows that no matter what the circumstances of our birth, or the choices we make for ourselves, God is able to use us to bring glory back to Him. Regardless of how your story began, remember that God controls the ending! When we trust in Him, everything works for our good (see Romans 8:28). Jepthath experiences both heartache and sorrow yet he becomes a judge over Israel. He is placed in charge of those who once despised and humiliated him. Take note that in the story God kept him through it all. Always remember that, whether we are in a horrible situation because of others or because of our own choices, God loves us, and forgives and restores us. Yes, you can hold your head up because your time is coming. Your season is on the way. God has provided for you and nothing that anyone has done or will do can stop what God intends for your life.
Tomorrows Tasting: Judges 13–15
Sonyita S. Connor-Clemons
Website: www.totallifeprosperityllc.com
Email: sonyita@totallifeprosperityllc.com
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Amen, amen, amen! This is such an encouraging word. The Lord has His hand on each of us to influence our world. Thank you, Lord, in spite of our past or present circumstances, YOU are in control! Our time is coming and we anticipate it!
Yes I too am encouraged by this. Whether we can see it or not God keeps His children. Our choices or even others choices can bring consequences but God is always there loving us and forgiving us when we stay close to Him. My time is coming and I am gonna wait on Him, thank You Lord!