March 16 – Judges 12:1-7

March 16 – Judges 12:1-7

12 The men of Ephraim were called to arms, and they crossed to Zaphon and said to Jephthah, “Why did you cross over to fight against the Ammonites and did not call us to go with you? We will burn your house over you with fire.” ² And Jephthah said to them, “I and my people had a great dispute with the Ammonites, and when I called you, you did not save me from their hand. ³ And when I saw that you would not save me, I took my life in my hand and crossed over against the Ammonites, and the Lord gave them into my hand. Why then have you come up to me this day to fight against me?” ⁴ Then Jephthah gathered all the men of Gilead and fought with Ephraim. And the men of Gilead struck Ephraim, because they said, “You are fugitives of Ephraim, you Gileadites, in the midst of Ephraim and Manasseh.” ⁵ And the Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites. And when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, “Let me go over,” the men of Gilead said to him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” When he said, “No,” ⁶ they said to him, “Then say Shibboleth,” and he said, “Sibboleth,” for he could not pronounce it right. Then they seized him and slaughtered him at the fords of the Jordan. At that time 42,000 of the Ephraimites fell.

⁷ Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then Jephthah the Gileadite died and was buried in his city in Gilead.

For us, this example of the judges is not a positive view.  Envy, arrogance or doing something that is at the expense of others is not showing a Christian example and can be hurtful.  These kinds of conflicts can only result in painful outcomes.  Jealousy has no place in our hearts, lives or churches. 

It can be hurtful when someone leaves you out of plans, a conversation or even resolution of a situation. 

What is your attitude when someone leaves you out of plans? 

Do you harbor anger and resentment or do you seek to understand and forgive?

Heavenly Father,

There are times I lean into people instead of You, and I know better.  Too many times I have been disappointed by people, because they are flawed.  I have disappointed others because I am flawed.  Help me lean into You and remember when others let me down that it isn’t their fault, but my own for not relying on You as my strength.  I know You are truly the only one that is always 100% reliable.  Help me forgive when someone hurts me.  I know my enemy isn’t other people, but the one true enemy, satan.  Help me keep my perspective and always keep this in mind.  Protect me from the enemy and from myself.  Keep me lined up with You and Your will for my life.  Thank You for loving me so unconditionally.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen!