| Judges 11:1-12:15; John 1:1-28; Psalm 101:1-8; Proverbs 14:13-14
“The Spirit of the Lord came on Jephthah, who traveled through Gilead and Manasseh, and then through Mizpah of Gilead. He crossed over to the Ammonites from Mizpah of Gilead. Jephthah made this vow to the Lord: ‘If You will hand over the Ammonites to me, whatever comes out of the doors of my house to greet me when I return in peace from the Ammonites will belong to the Lord, and I will offer it as a burnt offering.’ Jephthah crossed over to the Ammonites to fight against them, and the Lord handed them over to him…When Jephthah went to his home in Mizpah, there was his daughter, coming out to meet him with tambourines and dancing! She was his only child; he had no other son or daughter besides her…and he kept the vow he had made about her.” (Judges 11:29-32, 34, 39)
What was he thinking?!!! We have to be so careful to watch our speech. I know many times in the past I have been guilty of blurting things out before thinking about what I was saying. As we mature, we begin to slow down a little bit and actually contemplate what we’re going to say before we blurt, most of us anyway, I hope…
Jephthah’s rash, thoughtless words came back to haunt him as he returned home a conquering victor when there in the doorway was his only child, his precious daughter. The scripture said that he gave her some time to herself and when she returned, he fulfilled his vow.
God has never condoned human sacrifice, ever! There is too much in scripture to prove this is against His character. Jephthah should have just repented for what he said and moved on. He did an atrocious deed by sacrificing his daughter. Please always remember that just because something is in the Bible does not mean God approves of it. Before we make judgments we have to look at the whole of scripture to discern the character and heart of God. The Lord allowed all of the short comings, sins and mistakes of people to be recorded in order to admonish us. All of these things are written for an example of what to do and what not to do. Always check the context of scripture and then ensure that it is lining up with God’s character before wondering if it is something the Lord approves of. And for Pete’s sake, watch your mouth!
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to keep a reign on my tongue. I pray for conviction if I go to confessing something ignorant that I am going to regret. Forgive me for times past when I have allowed my mouth to overload my good sense. I repent for careless, negative, self-defeating statements as well as harsh, cruel words spoken to and/or about others. I love You and I want to do what is right. Correct my speech, Lord. I want to make You proud. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen. |
