Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed over Gilead, and Manasseh, and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of Gilead he passed over unto the children of Ammon. Judges 11:29 KJV
It is a common thing that when we meet someone, we ask them “Where are You from?” and “Who are your people?”
All to get to know them better.
Family heritage can play a big part in how others respond to us.
For Jephthah, his background gave him a reason to hesitate to answer.
The text tells us that Gilead was his father, and his mother was a prostitute (v.1).
You see his half-brothers forced him out of his hometown because of who his mother was.
They said, “Thou shalt not inherit in our father’s house; for thou art the son of a strange woman” (Judges 11:3).
Despite his origin, Jephthah was a true leader.
One that when a hostile tribe came to fight Gilead, the same people who had sent him away suddenly wanted him back.
They wanted him to “Come, and be [their] captain, that [they might] fight with the children of Ammon” (v.6).
They saw his ability to save them and lead them to victory.
Jephthah listened to them and had this response.
“[He] said unto the elders of Gilead, Did not ye hate me, and expel me out of my father’s house? and why are ye come unto me now when ye are in distress?” (v.7)
When he had listened to their response and was assured that things would be different, he agreed to be their leader.
As we read and see how at some point “the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah.” Allowing him to pass through the wilderness and many lands. (v.29).
How through his faith, he was able to lead the people to a great victory.
He is even listed in the New Testament as one of the heroes of faith (Hebrews 11:32).
God knows who can do His will.
Throughout the Scriptures, He has chosen those that many would not see as worthy of being used by Him.
Those that in the end made things turn out victorious.
Showing us that it does not matter where we come from (our heritage), how we got to where we are or even what our past looks like.
What really matters is the response we give when we are called.
Will our response be one of willingness to serve?
Will our response be one of faith?
Responses that show our heartfelt love and willingness to follow His commands.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Father, we are happy to know that You are willing to use us despite our heritage. That You are looking at us as vessels that can be used for the building of Your kingdom. That once we have given ourselves to You, our heritage takes on a brand-new look. It is found in You. Thank You for seeing what we are capable of and using us for Your glory.
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen