June 9, 2015
Judges 11-Part 4
And it came to pass at the end of two months, that she returned unto her father, who did with her according to his vow which he had vowed: and she knew no many. And it was a custom in Israel. Judges 11:39
LET IT GLOW
This is such a busy month for me-2 family reunions, Vacation Bible School, birthday, Father's Day, appointments, etc. This old body gets tired so easily, as well as my soul becoming weary in the busyness of it all. You with me?
Well, I am going for a new experience on Friday. Since my husband's family is having their annual reunion this weekend, we gals decided to go for a pedicure. (It was my request for my Mother's Day gift.) I must say, I am looking forward to the foot message. These wheels of mine are sore and tired from the miles they have gone lately. Maybe even a sweet, soothing lotion, a balm, will be used. Come on, Friday!
I think our hero, Jephthah, could have used a balm in Gilead, his hometown.
We left Jephthah, the Gileadite, alone and saddened by his rash vow made to the Lord. You will recall that he asked the Lord for victory over the Ammorites in exchange for whatsoever came out of his house to greet him upon returning from the battles. The whatsoever became a whosever, his daughter. They were both people faithful to God-Jephthah kept his vow and his daughter surrendered to it. Perhaps the story ended with Jeph making a human sacrifice or not. We are not told, only speculations. His daughter may have been a dedication to the Lord's service without marrying or death. At any rate, her father's line stopped there, since his only daughter did not carry it on.
But, lest we too be saddened by all of this, and burdened by a heavy load we are carrying, a song came to my mind-"There Is a Balm in Gilead," from The Baptist Hymnal:
There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole; There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sinsick soul. Sometimes I feel discouraged, and think my world's in vain, But then the Holy Spirit Revives my soul again. If you can't preach like Peter, If you can't pray like Paul, Just tell the love of Jesus, And say He died for all.I look up the definition of balm in Webster's Dictionary: a balsamic resin: especially one from small tropical evergreen trees; an aromatic preparation (as a healing ointment).
Balm of Gilead refers to an agency that soothes, relieves, or heals (among other definitions).
Anyone need a balm of Gilead? Are your burdens getting heavy? Who couldn't use a foot rub, shoulder rub, sweet lotion, a soothing of our soul with peace?
Jesus, our Prince of Peace (Is. 9:10), wants to be our balm for a sin sick soul, an upset soul, a confused mind, a weary person, tired of the schedule, tired of the fight against evil. He is ready to give us that peace that passeth all understanding. (See Ps. 37:11, 55:18; John 14:27, 20:21)
Yes, friend, there is a balm in your hometown. Just ask Jesus for it.
LET IT GROW
This section ends abruptly with the statement that he judged Israel six years, died, and was buried in one of the cities of Gilead. (12:7)
In looking at the list of Israel's judges during their cycle of sin, Jephthah is included in the group of 4 judges who judged a total of 31 years together. They form the sixth group of judges in this book.
So, if God can use this man, the son of a harlot and grandson of Manasseh (Jacob's son), then don't you think He can use us ordinary people for God's Kingdom work also? For sure! (Pronounced for shore, in my region)
Let's be careful in what we vow unto the Lord. Be faithful in keeping our vows. Seek His balm when we grow weary. Rest in His peace for the soul.
LET IT GO
... of those weary thought and trade them for the peace of God.
... of the struggles and let God handle it.
... of thinking I am Super Woman, just do what I can today.
... of worries and live in the now with Jesus.
... of the past and look to Friday. (Hee, Hee!)
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