Daily Scripture Threshing for Saturday, January 15, 2022
Today’s Text: Judges 11:29-33
Key Verse: Judges 11:29 (ESV): “Then the Spirit of the Lord was upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh and passed on to Mizpah of Gilead, and from Mizpah of Gilead he passed on to the Ammonites.”
Jephthah was a prominent image during the time in Israel's history when the nation was ruled by judges. Each situation born out of Israel’s rebellion and sin — especially when they followed idols and other false gods. Righteousness is the only system approved by God for nation’s exultation. Sin is always a reproach to any people. It opens the door for enemies to have dominion, and trample God’s people. However, just like when Israelites repented, God would appoint a judge to rescue them from their enemies, God’s gracious salvation is still available today for anyone who repents of sin, and turn around to Him.
Jephthah happened to be one of those Judges. God found and chose him because He was ready to deliver his people. The victory of Jephthah was not because of his tragic vow. God was already out to deliver His people. The Spirit of the Lord has already found him as a useful instrument. The Holy Spirit was already upon him to use him. Even his vow shows that he already anticipates his return in victory. Why then did he need a vow as if the victory depended upon it?! Believers trust in the name of the Lord and His Holy Spirit for every turn, every way, and every victory. In Matthew 5:37, Jesus tells us to “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one.”
Victory is Jehovah's alone. It is not by vow. It is not power or might. “Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6) Therefore, before you issue that vow from your mouth; remember that God is not needing any gratification to motivate His grace and merry. He will have mercy on him He will. He will save and deliver those He will. By that action, Jephthah laid an unhealthy precedence that gave birth to an unnecessary religious motion of vows which had crept slowly in human religious history. God does not chose His men because they were perfect; He does not give victory because they vowed. Even when our human spirit is not willing to attend to His cause because of the flesh’s weakness, or we are will and lack the wits and means; God’s Holy Spirit always helps our infirmities.
Quote for the Day: “Satan is never spoiled by great power; neither is sin subdued by fleshly might; and the will of God is never done by human wits. It is all by my Spirit says the Lord.” (Simon Olatunji)
Prayer: Dear Lord, Giver of all good gifts, I thank You for blessing me with Your Holy Spirit, given to lead and guide me in paths of daily victories. Help me follow the dictates of the Holy Spirit always — in Jesus’ name. Amen.
With all my love and prayers,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D
The Darling Bishop (DaBishop)
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