Judges Chapter 11
Flashbacks
Jephthah was the son of a harlot and therefore was kicked out of the city of Gilead because of it. He ended up living amongst worthless men and became accustomed to evil ways of thinking. When Gilead was being oppressed by their enemies, the leaders of Gilead asked Jephthah to be their ruler and fight against their enemies.
He agreed and the spirit of God was upon Jephthah to defeat the enemy, but then Jephthah made a stupid vow before the Lord which was a flashback to the type of vows godless Leaders would make. He vowed to God that if he gave him victory he would sacrifice the first thing that came out of his house when returned home. In other words, he’s talking about a human sacrifice.
Why would he do such a thing? Perhaps he was fearful of the battle and had a flashback of the type of vows evil Kings made where he used to live. So he made it himself thinking he’d find favor with God.
God did as he promised, he gave Gilead victory over their enemies. But the consequences of Jephthah’s decision was that his daughter came out of the house upon his return.
As Christians, it’s easy to have flashbacks of certain behaviors that we used to exhibit. And if given the opportunity we end up resorting back to behaviors that have terrible consequences for our life and maybe even other lives.
What are your flashbacks?
Perhaps it’s pornography or drinking or swearing or bullying or disrespect to parents or other authorities, etc.
If you fail, go to the Lord in repentance and ask for forgiveness and he will forgive. Have a blessed day!
