Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Java with the Judges - Week 4

"The Lord's spirit empowered Jephthah.  He passed through Gilead and Manasseh and went to Mizpah in Gilead.  From there he approached the Ammonites."  Judges 11:29

Oh My Goodness!  What...?!  How...?!  There are things in our reading this week that confound and confuse me.  Namely the apparent sacrifice of Jehpthah's daughter.   How about you?  Rest assured we are not alone.  The fate of Jephthah's daughter is highly debated among scholars and much evidence is given for both camps: those that think she was offered as a burnt sacrifice and those that believe she was dedicated to service of the Lord for the rest of her life, never marrying or having children.  Either way, she died a virgin and Jephthah's lineage ended with her.

So, let's put the debate aside and look at the rest of the story.  What can we learn about God and how he works?  Where is He and what does he do for his people?
There are a lot of politics going on here.  Jep (this is what I like to call him) is kicked out because he's an illegitimate son, but when he makes a name for himself as a great warrior they beg him to come back and be their leader.  On page 84, Ms. Glahn asks us to look at the similarities between how Israel treats God and how Gilead treats Jep.  It's an interesting exercise.  Through her questions we also get a chance to examine our own lives and compare them to characters and situations throughout Judges 10-12.

We may not, at first, think we could possibly have anything in common with this story or it's characters.  But upon closer inspection, we can see a thread that connects us.  Have we overcome something in our past?  Jep's checkered past did not hold him back from becoming the top pick to lead his people into battle.  Nor did he hold it against Gilead for kicking him out.  And who would have thought this 'brave warrior' (Judges 11:1) would have chosen diplomacy first when dealing with an invading army?  He schooled the Amorites, not only on the battlefield, but also in teaching them a lesson in "history, logic and theology" (pg 83)!

The study guide questions help us see all the ways in which Jep leads God's people.  We see him as a black sheep, a warrior, a diplomat, and someone empowered by the Lord's spirit.  We see him be forgiving, rash, loyal, and decisive.  Have any of these words ever described you?  And what about the other people in this story: Jep's half-brothers of Gilead, the Ammonite king, Jep's daughter, and the Ephraimites?
Have you ever acted like any of these or been in a situation where someone else has - perhaps you were on the receiving end:
* judged someone based on their exterior or their past?
* ignored the facts because it didn't fit your own plan?
* encouraged someone else to keep their word, regardless of the cost?
* tried to horn-in on the glory after all the hard work was done?
* stirred up controversy between family and friends?

In the end, there is much we can learn from Judges 10-12 about God and His relationship with us.  He is our leader and defender.  He uses the weak and the strong to deliver His people from their oppressors.  Whether the oppressor be an invading army or sin, God wants us to call on Him to set us free.

Let the comments begin!  What did you learn about yourself through these three chapters?  Have you ever experienced a situation that was similar to any of these?  I can't wait to read your comments!!

A note regarding weather: If the preschool is closed, we will not meet.  If Denville school has a delay, I will cannot arrive until after 10, in which case I will notify everyone via e-mail, so please check before heading out.  If you can be there before that, please start without me!  Always consider your comfort level driving in the current weather/road conditions.  Safety First!

Looking Ahead:  After Java with the Judges, we will return to My One Word by Mike Ashcraft and Rachel Olsen.  For some this will be the first time and others it will be a second visit.  I am excited to do this again!  I have found that reading a book or doing a Bible study the 2nd and 3rd time, while different from the first, is no less inspiring and informative.   We will begin the new study on February 28th.  This is a fast, 4-week study with video introductions each Friday.  This is appropriate for everyone, whether you are just starting your faith journey, well into it, or still asking questions.  It's the perfect opportunity to bring a friend!

Stay warm and safe in snowy north Jersey!

Your Partner in Ministry,

Shelly
honey

"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."  Proverbs 16:24

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