"When the sons of Ammon fought against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to get Jephthah from the land of Tob; and they said to Jephthah, 'Come and be our chief that we may fight against the sons of Ammon.'... Now Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the sons of Ammon, saying, 'What is between you and me, that you have come to me to fight against my land?'...'I therefore have not sinned against you, but you are doing me wrong by making war against me; may the Lord, the Judge, judge today between the sons of Israel and the sons of Ammon.'" -Judges 11.5-6, 12, 27
Judges 11.4-28 show the story or real man. He was a valiant warrior, driven from his father's home by his brothers. While in Tob other men, with no identity were drawn to him and begin to find an idnetity because of him. Israel is oppressed and at this point the elders of Gilead go in search of a man who will deliver them. Those who drove Jephthah out aren't doing anything, and so they go and find the valiant warrior. The will make him their leader if he will lead them in battle, giving him the honor that was never given to him.
He accepts and begins the work of a leader. The enemy king demands land to be given, but Jephthah tells how this land was never taken by Israel, and that the sons of Ammon had every opportunity to take it back but didn't. He stands his ground firmly and doesn't give in to the demands of this king. He knows the truth and stands behind it. The king of Ammon doesn't agree, because he isn't getting what he wants, and so he is ready for war. But Jephthah is not about to back down.
This story inspires me. You have a man who knows his identity calling out the man in others who have no identity. Then when he is needed those who drove him out turn to him, realizing that he is the only man who can deliver them. In the face of opposition he delivers the facts, standing firm on the truth and refusing to give in to the demands of another king.
Men, does your life look like this? Do you have an identity that circumstances cannot take away? Are others drawn to you because of it? Does your identity stand out so that when difficulties arise people know that you can be counted on? Are you able to stand your ground in the face of opposition because you know the truth and that you are rooted in it? What would it take for that to be you?
Let us be men like Jephthah. May we know our identity and help give one to others. May we rise up when called upon and stand for truth. May we speak rightly and never back down from a bully.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
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