And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands,
So Jephthah passed over unto the children of Ammon to fight against them; and the LORD delivered them into his hands.
And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she was his only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter. And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and said, Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me: for I have opened my mouth unto the LORD, and I cannot go back.
And it came to pass at the end of two months, that she returned unto her father, who did with her according to his vow which he had vowed: (Jdg 11:30, 32, 34-45, 39a)
Though GOD used Jephthah to deliver Israel from their enemies and oppressors (again), Jephthah is not a very good example of the judges He used, in fact most of the judges had very serious character flaws that inhibited or affected their time as a judge. Not only does GOD use flawed people to accomplish His work, despite our flaws. It also reflects on the truthfulness of the Word of GOD which records the Holiness and Righteousness of GOD and the flaws and sins of the people He has created, redeemed, and judged throughout its revealed record.
Though Jephthah led a victory against the Ammonites for GOD, He was hasty and rash in his vow to the Lord. Instead of simply trusting GOD to deliver Israel, Jephthah, without thinking of what might be the result of his vow, offered up 'whatever' was first to the Lord. Because of the Law and his vow before GOD, Jephthah gave his only child, his daughter, to the Lord. Many are bothered, and rightfully so, by his sacrifice of her to GOD, which wasn't condoned simply recorded, but seemingly have less trouble with Jephthah denying his oath to the Lord. Both are sins before GOD and Jephthah was obligated by his own rash and unthinking oath to complete the promise and sacrifice.
As horrible as it is to think about, we must remember that all sin is sin against our righteous and holy GOD who has already judged sin and sinners as guilty before Him. But, He loves us so much that He sent His only begotten Son to give us eternal life if we will trust Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary in repentance and faith. He cannot condone sin, any sin, and He will and does punish those who refuse to repent, and chastises His own who sin that they may also repent and live in Him and through Him to accomplish His work in this world.
We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, as new creatures living in the Spirit, to do His will and the work which He has for His church to do. We are His ambassadors to this lost and dying world, taking the Word of reconciliation to those around us who are hurting and in need, and meeting their needs as GOD gives the increase. We are His disciples, fellowshipping with one another in unfeighned love for the brethren and equipping the saints that we might all grow up into the full measure of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We are His witnesses, taking the Gospel wherever we go, and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with all who will hear, that they might repent of their sins and put their trust in Him and Him alone for Salvation and new life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
Though Jephthah led a victory against the Ammonites for GOD, He was hasty and rash in his vow to the Lord. Instead of simply trusting GOD to deliver Israel, Jephthah, without thinking of what might be the result of his vow, offered up 'whatever' was first to the Lord. Because of the Law and his vow before GOD, Jephthah gave his only child, his daughter, to the Lord. Many are bothered, and rightfully so, by his sacrifice of her to GOD, which wasn't condoned simply recorded, but seemingly have less trouble with Jephthah denying his oath to the Lord. Both are sins before GOD and Jephthah was obligated by his own rash and unthinking oath to complete the promise and sacrifice.
As horrible as it is to think about, we must remember that all sin is sin against our righteous and holy GOD who has already judged sin and sinners as guilty before Him. But, He loves us so much that He sent His only begotten Son to give us eternal life if we will trust Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary in repentance and faith. He cannot condone sin, any sin, and He will and does punish those who refuse to repent, and chastises His own who sin that they may also repent and live in Him and through Him to accomplish His work in this world.
We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, as new creatures living in the Spirit, to do His will and the work which He has for His church to do. We are His ambassadors to this lost and dying world, taking the Word of reconciliation to those around us who are hurting and in need, and meeting their needs as GOD gives the increase. We are His disciples, fellowshipping with one another in unfeighned love for the brethren and equipping the saints that we might all grow up into the full measure of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We are His witnesses, taking the Gospel wherever we go, and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with all who will hear, that they might repent of their sins and put their trust in Him and Him alone for Salvation and new life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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