Day 41 - Jephthah

Read: Judges 11:30-31, 34-35

Reflect: In the book of Judges, we come across a character named Jephthah who was an unlikely hero with a troubled background.  He was rejected by his brothers because of being the son of a prostitute; however, his faith, valor and leadership caught the attention of the elders of Gilead.  They approached Jephthah and asked him to lead them into battle against the Ammonites.  He agreed, but before he did, he made a promise to God.  

This promise was bold and risky.  Most of us might even question the wisdom of his promise, but regardless Jephthah promised to offer, as a burnt offering to the Lord, the first person who came out of his house to greet him when he returned home.  This promise wasn’t required by God, but was Jephathah’s personal decision.  After God granted them the victory and Jephathah returned home, his only child, his beloved daughter, was the first to greet him.  Jephthah was overtaken by grief and tore his clothes, realizing the cost of his promise; however, despite his heartbreak, he honored his commitment to God.

His story teaches us valuable lessons about trust, obedience, and the unwavering faith we can have in God's promises.  Faith is not only about trusting God when everything goes smoothly, but especially when we face uncertainty and challenges.  Faith also requires obedience, even when it comes at a personal cost. Despite facing great challenges, Jephthah's faith remained resolute.

Respond: Jephthah's faith journey challenges us to examine our own trust in God. His story reminds us that faith is not always easy or straightforward. It requires us to trust God in uncertainty, to be obedient even when it comes at a cost, and to seek God's wisdom and mercy in our decisions. Like Jephthah, may we be known for our unwavering faith, demonstrating a deep trust in God's faithfulness and love.