Calendar

JEPHTHAH (IV)
LORD’S DAY, FEBRUARY 5
Judges 11:29-33

Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

 

“…call upon me in the day of trouble:

I will deliver thee…”

 

JEPHTHAH (IV)
 
Jephthah, left with no recourse other than to battle the Ammonites and moved by the Spirit of the LORD, went forth to battle. He went forth and took the battle to the Ammonites. He had accepted to be leader over Israel and had spoken before the LORD to the elders and people, and had spoken to the king of the Ammonites; now he was moved to act, guided by the Spirit of the LORD. He was God’s man for that hour.
 
“And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD…” (Judg 11:30). The thought that victory belongs to the LORD and that He gives it, was in Jephthah’s talk with the elders who went to invite him to lead them against the king of the Ammonites (Judg 11:9). He expected victory as he went forth, and he made a vow. There is nothing wrong with making a vow, as vows are one’s expression of devotion and commitment to God (see Gen 28:20; Num 6:2; 30:2). In Deuteronomy 23:21-23, instructions were given to Israel about vows. Vows were left under the power and discretion of the man who made them, but were to be restricted to things that were lawful and in accordance to the revealed will of God. There was a clear warning that though it was of one’s free will, the vow was binding and was to be paid once uttered (see Ps 61:8; 116:14).
 
The obligations that come with vows demand that vows be done soberly, seeking the clear will and counsel of God. They are not to be made rashly or out of impulse or emotions. One such example is Joshua and the Gibeonites. God held Israel responsible in 2 Samuel 21 for Saul breaking the vow. Faithfulness and commitment to the fulfilment of our vows are mandatory and so all vows are to be entered into soberly and for the glory of God. Marriage and ministerial (ordination) vows are vows that many take lightly in this age. Making a vow is at our discretion, but once the vow is made, breaking it is never an option as it will not please God.
 
THOUGHT: We must approach God with care when in the midst of trouble or distress.

PRAYER: (Use Jonah 2:9.)

Search