Judges 11
ScriptureJudges 11:29Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jephthah.ObservationBecause Jephthah’s mother was a prostitute his brothers shun him and drive him from their presence. Later, when the Ammonites come against Israel, Jephthah’s brothers appeal to him and his “band of scoundrels” to command their armies. After securing the promise of position and leadership upon his return, Jephthah confronts the enemies of Israel. Before advancing against the Ammonites, Jephthah makes a vow to sacrifice to God whatever comes out of the door of his house upon his return. Jephthah is devastated when his daughter (and only child) greets him with music and dancing to celebrate his victory. Upon hearing of her father’s vow and his commitment to keep it, Jephthah’s daughter submits to him, asking only that before her death he allow her to “roam the hills and weep with her friends” to lament the fact that she will never marry. Jephthah grants her request which would later result in an Israelite tradition of a four day celebration by young women of Israel in commemoration of Jephthah’s daughter.Understanding 1 Corinthians 3:16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?
In this chapter; throughout the Book of Judges and also through the Old Testament we read of the Spirit of the Lord coming upon someone for a specific task or challenge. The Spirit comes from without to equip the chosen vessel or messenger, and then departs – usually resulting in a return to sin and compromise. The experience of the New Testament believer is radically and miraculously different. The Spirit of God actually dwells within me! I don’t have to wait for Him to come or ever fear that He will leave me. The Holy Spirit lives in me because I am “In Christ” and He is always at work in me as the Counselor and Comforter; the One who convicts me regarding sin and righteousness, and the One who speaks for me and who guides me into all truth. He is the Advocate and the wisdom of God in me. He is the One who is transforming me into the image of Christ and the producer of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control in and through me. He is the seal and guarantee of God’s promised resurrection and He lives in me! Hallelujah!!
Life Application
John 10:22“…receive the Holy Spirit”
Lord, thank you for deeming me holy and righteous so that the Holy Spirit can live within me. Help me to remember that even though you elected and chose me when I was dead in my sin, I am still an agent of free will and can choose to either heed or ignore the prompting of your Spirit. If (when) I fall into sin and compromise, it is not because He left me but because I took my eyes off of Him. Help me to seek, discern, treasure and obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit so that I may walk in your will, power and victory all the days of my life and for the glory of your great Name.
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-Gary Parker