Jephthah
and Me
Judges
11:1-40
Our great God delights to use weak, insignificant,
despised instruments to accomplish his greatest works in this world (1
Corinthians 1:26-31). One great example of that fact is vividly set before us
in the 11th chapter of the Book of Judges. The man of whom this
chapter speaks is Jephthah. His name means, Òone that will open.Ó And truly
the things here recorded by the pen of inspiration about this man open to our
eyes GodÕs wonders of grace in Christ Jesus.
1.
Jephthah was born in shame, the
bastard son of a harlot (vv. 1-2). — Me too (Psalm 51:1-5).
2.
Jephthah bore the pain and
shame of his motherÕs base, bestial immorality all the days of his life. He
was cast out from his brethren by his brethren (vv. 1-3). — Me too
(Ephesians 2:11-12).
3.
Following the example of his
mother, Jephthah lived as a rebel, leading a band of vain men (v. 3). —
Me too (Ephesians 2:2-3).
4.
Jephthah was by law excluded
from the congregation of Israel (Deuteronomy 23:2). — Me too (1
Corinthians 6:9-10).
5.
Though despised by everyone
else, Jephthah was beloved of God, chosen in Christ, and ordained as an
instrument by whose hand he would save his people v. 29. – Me too
(Jeremiah 1:5; 31:3).
6.
At GodÕs appointed time Òthe
Spirit of the Lord came upon JephthahÓ (v. 29). — Me too (Ezekiel
16:6-8).
7.
By the grace of God bestowed
upon him and by the faith in Christ that was wrought in him, Jephthah Òsubdued
kingdomsÓ and Òwrought righteousnessÓ (Hebrews 11:32). — Me
too (Romans 8:37; 16:20).
8.
Jephthah feared God and
believed his Word (vv. 9-11, 14-27).
— Me too (Acts 27:25; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5).
9.
The Lord God honored the faith
that honored him by delivering the Ammonites into JephthahÕs hand (vv. 32-33). — Me too (1 Samuel 2:30).
10.
Jephthah opened his mouth to God and declared, ÒI
cannot go backÓ (v. 35). — Me too (Romans 6:4-6; Psalm 116:12-15).
How
blessed it is to be reminded once more that in this Gospel Day GodÕs Israel
is freed from the law, its covenant, its curse, its vows, and its sacrifices,
in and by Christ and his one great sacrifice. — ÒFor by one offering
he hath perfected forever them that are sanctifiedÓ (Hebrews 10:14). Yet,
we who have opened our mouths unto the Lord in heart faith, confessing him as
our Lord and Savior, have a vow to pay; and we cannot go back.
The
word translated ÒcannotÓ in Judges 11:35 is very instructive. It means
I am not able to go back. I am not able to go back, because my God has sworn
that he will not allow it. I have no power to go back, because, as powerful
as my wicked heart is to do evil, it has no power to overcome GodÕs purpose,
GodÕs grace, ChristÕs blood, ChristÕs intercession, or the SpiritÕs seal
(Romans 8:28-39). I cannot be prevailed upon, or forced by any means or
influence, to go bac, because Satan has no power to harm me. No evil shall
befall me. My God has promised, ÒIt shall be well with the righteous.Ó
I will not go back, because I cannot go back (John 10:28-30). — I will
not go back, because I know that I have nowhere to go (John 6:66-69).
Don Fortner
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