JUDGES 11:1-11
Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah. Vs 1
And Gilead's wife bare him sons; and his wife's sons grew up, and they thrust out Jephthah, and said unto him, Thou shalt not inherit in our father's house; for thou art the son of a strange woman. Vs 2
Then Jephthah fled from his brethren, and dwelt in the land of Tob: and there were gathered vain men to Jephthah, and went out with him. Vs 3
And it came to pass in process of time, that the children of Ammon made war against Israel. Vs 4
And it was so, that when the children of Ammon made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to fetch Jephthah out of the land of Tob: Vs 5
And they said unto Jephthah, Come, and be our captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon. Vs 6
And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, Did not ye hate me, and expel me out of my father's house? and why are ye come unto me now when ye are in distress? Vs7
And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, Therefore we turn again to thee now, that thou mayest go with us, and fight against the children of Ammon, and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead. Vs 8
And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, If ye bring me home again to fight against the children of Ammon, and the LORD deliver them before me, shall I be your head? Vs 9
And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, The LORD be witness between us, if we do not so according to thy words. Vs 10
Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and captain over them: and Jephthah uttered all his words before the LORD in Mizpeh. Vs 11
From the above passage, Jephthah rightly questioned the sincerity of the Gileadites when they summoned him back to lead them against the Ammonites. He was willing to serve his country but thought it fit to give the elders a bit of their former unkindness to him, that they might repent of their sins.
Remember that Joseph also humbled his brothers before he made himself known to them. Many slight God and good men till they come to be in distress, and then they are desirous of God's mercy and good men's prayers. Is this true of you?
Nobody is useless irrespective of their roots. Let us make no man our enemy because we know not how soon our distresses may compel us to make them our friend.
Jephthah was willing to serve his country new matter what they might have done to him. He still went ahead to seek God's will and what God wants to use him to do in that country. Jephthah sincerely acknowledged God in this great affair.
Upon his elevation, he immediately retired to his devotions and prayers, he spread the whole matter before God. He uttered before God all his thoughts and cares in this matter.
Hear him saying, "Lord, the people have made me their leader, will confirm the choice and own me as their head under Thee and for Thee? I will not head the government unless thou give me leave".
This should be the attitude of all leaders today and every child of God in accepting any responsibility placed on him or her.
Seek His face before you venture into anything.
The best leaders in the world are led from within. His will in leadership should be your priority.
PRAYER
Let my desire always be to do Thy will, oh God wherever position I find myself and help me not to look down on any man.
REFLECTION:
You will have more will to lead when you seek God's will.
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