Call Out the Man

"Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a valiant warrior, but he was the son of a harlot. And Gilead was the father of Jephthah. Gilead’s wife bore him sons; and when his wife’s sons grew up, they drove Jephthah out and said to him, 'You shall not have an inheritance in our father’s house, for you are the son of another woman.' So Jephthah fled from his brothers and lived in the land of Tob; and worthless fellows gathered themselves about Jephthah, and they went out with him." -Judges 11.1-3

Jephthah is a valiant warrior, but because of his mother, something outside of his control, he becomes an outcast. He is driven away by his brothers and lives in the land of Tob. While there other men gather around him and begin to go out and fight along side him.

The text says they were worthless, the Hebrew word means empty or vain. These men had no identity, they lived only for themselves, and as such were probably outcasts as well. But they are drawn to Jephthah, a man who is described as a valiant warrior. They are drawn to this real man, one with an identity, who even when in unfavorable circumstances still stands out and others are willing to commit to him. Perhaps it is with Jephthah that these men stop being worthless. Maybe he gives them an identity and calls out the men in them. He must, because they go out with him, willing die with him.

This is what the world needs most desperately. To many men fall into the category of worthless. They are empty with no identity and no purpose, so they become vain, living only to please and satisfy themselves. They need a man who is man to help them become who they are meant to be. We need men like Jephthah, who even when faced with adversity and rejection don't lose heart. We need valiant warriors who know their identity, and aren't defined by what they come from.

Men, maybe you fall into the category of worthless. Maybe you have never had a man pour affirmation or love into you. Maybe you don't know your identity and feel like you have nothing to offer. This is not the truth, you were created to be a valiant warrior. Your circumstances are not the thing that defines you. God will show you who He made you to be, and He will call out the man in you. I believe that He will guide you to a man who can pour into you as well.

Maybe you don't fall into that category, maybe you're like Jephthah. Maybe you know who you are, and your circumstances will never shake the identity that you have. Wherever you are, rally men, and call them out. Help others by giving them an identity, by helping have a cause to fight for. Call out the man in them.

Let us be men who are not worthless but warriors. Let us call out the man in others.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor