Prayer as a Bargain (Mar 18)
Gideon’s son Abimelech has such
strong aspirations for his father’s
position that he attempts to murder
all his brothers. His rash actions
are a prelude to three stormy years
in power – a reign cut short by a
divinely guided millstone.By contrast
Jephthah, the illegitimate son of
a harlot, zealously leads Israel
in the ways of God – though his
zeal also gets him into trouble.
Lord, we Prudently Promise You:
Jephthah sent messengers to the
king of Ammon: What do you have
agst me that you’ve come to fight?
I’ve not wronged u but you’re doing
me wrong by waging war against me.
Let the Lord, the Judge decide the
disputes… between the Israelites
and Ammonites (Jdgs 11:12, 27).
Jephthah made a vow to the Lord.
He said: If you give me victory
over the Ammonites, I will give
to the Lord the first thing coming
out of my house to greet me when
I return in triumph. I will sacrifice it
as a burnt offering (Jdgs 11:30-31)
When Jephthah returned home…
his daughter… ran out to meet him…
When he saw her, he tore his clothes
in anguish… She said to her father…
Let me alone for 2 mths (to) bewail
my virginity… And he carried out
his vow. She knew no man (v34-39)
Holy Lord, praise You for being
a righteous God, offended
by evil and devoted to justice.
When wrongly accused, I ask You
as Judge to bring the truth to light.
As my advocate, Defend me
when I am unjustly opposed.
Grant me self control in speech.
I ask for peace with the person and
pray You bring peace swiftly. Amen.
Lord Hashipey the Judge, I confess
that when I am wronged, I don’t
always turn to You for Your justice.
Help me know the confidence I can
feel in Your execution of judgment.
You are able to render justice on my
behalf far better than I ever could.
Please forgive me when I forget
to call on You for Your judgments.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
Lord, we realize human sacrifice was
abominable to God and Jephthah
offered his daughter as a spiritual
offering, set apart for Your service.
We learn from this episode, the need
to be mindful when making vows
even as an expression of gratitude.
Help us for what we solemnly vow to
You to perform it, so long it is lawful,
though so difficult to us. Amen.