September 7 -- "Jephthah's Foolish Vow"

 Today’s Reading: Judges 11

"Jephthah's Foolish Vow"

It is a tragic story.  Jephthah made an impulsive vow to God. It was a vow that was not required by the Law of Moses. Nor was it a vow that God would accept.  It was a rash and foolish vow. “Lord, if you give me a clear victory in battle, then I’ll sacrifice to you whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return."

Jephthah went off to fight the Ammonites. And God gave him victory in battle. He beat them soundly.  When he returned home and saw his only daughter come out of the door of his house, he suddenly realized the foolishness of his vow.  What had he done!?!  He realized in that moment the thoughtlessness of his promise.  It was careless.  It was hasty.  It was contrary to God’s heart.  And it resulted in a dreadful situation.

Jephthah, believing that he must now keep his vow, proceeded with plans to carry it out.  But, was he actually required to keep this thoughtless vow?  I am convinced that God did not require this vow from him in the first place, nor would God require him to fulfill it. Tragically, Jepththah carried out his word.

So, how does this ancient account apply to our lives today?

First, think before you speak: Jephthah's vow was made in the heat of the moment, without careful consideration of the consequences. Let us learn to take a step back and think before we make any commitments to God or others. Seek counsel from wise and mature believers if necessary.

Seek God's will: It is essential to seek God's guidance before making any significant decisions or promises. Instead of impulsively vowing something, spend time in prayer, seeking God's direction and asking for His wisdom.

Be slow to vow, but quick to fulfill: Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 advises us to be careful when making vows before God. If we do make a promise, we must honor it diligently. God takes our words seriously, and our integrity is on the line.

Grasp the significance of commitment: Vows are not to be taken lightly. Understand that God holds us accountable for what we promise to Him. Therefore, it is better not to make a vow than to make one and fail to fulfill it.

Understand the impact of our promises on others. Tragically, in Jepththah's case, it was his daughter who paid the price for his foolish vow. His impetuous promise deeply affected other people he loved. We must never let our actions impact negatively on others.

Lean on God's grace: We will all make mistakes and may have previously made hasty vows. In those moments, turn to God's grace, seek forgiveness, and learn from the experience. God is merciful and understanding and if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.

September 6 -- "I Will Save You No More"

 Today’s Reading: Judges 10

"I Will Save You No More"

It is the most frightful thing imaginable... when God refuses to save.

In the Book of Judges we are following 300 years of the history of Israel - from the time of the death of Joshua until the time of Saul, their first king.  We are now about halfway through this period of judges.  Throughout the lives of these judges, Israel’s behavior follows a consistent pattern:  Israel enters a time of peace and rest → The people of Israel then fall into evil and idolatry → Israel is defeated at the hands of their enemies → In despair, the people turn back to God and call out for Him to rescue them → God sends a leader (judge) to save them → Once again they enter a time of peace and rest.  And then… this cycle repeats over-and-over-again.  So far, we have seen this cycle through their first eight judges:  Othniel, Ehud, Shagmar, Deborah, Gideon, Abimelech, Tola, and Jair.

Today, we come to a very frightening moment during one of these cycles.   The people of Israel have fallen so far from God that He tells them, “I'm fed up and I will save you no more.”  Essentially, the Lord is telling them, “Look! I’ve had enough!”  He goes on to remind them of the many, many times He rescued them in the past – from the Egyptians, the Amorites, the Ammonites, the Philistines, the Sidonians, the Amalekites, and the Maonites.  “I delivered you from each of these nations, but now I am FED UP!  I just won’t do it any more.” The Lord then drives His point home by advising them look elsewhere for help. Let your false ‘gods’ rescue you this time. I won't do it.  “Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen; let them deliver you in your time of distress.” 

This encounter with God brings up an terrifying issue – can someone reject God for so long and so persistently that God eventually turns His back on him/her and refuses to help?  The answer to this is, “yes.”  The Bible speaks of a person with a “reprobate mind.” The phrase “reprobate mind” is found in Romans 1:28 in reference to those whom God has rejected as godless and wicked. They “suppress the truth by their wickedness,” and it is upon these people that the wrath of God rests.  For them there is no remedy.  It is a terrifying moment when God says to them, “I will save you no more.”

Fortunately for Israel, they hadn’t actually reached this point yet.  From verse 15 on, we read that the children of Israel came to their senses and repented of their evil and confessed their sin. We are told in verse 16 that God’s soul “could no longer endure the misery of Israel.” His deep love for His people moved Him to act on their behalf. So, their kind and merciful Lord has mercy on them and rescues them once again – sending them a new judge, a man named Jephthah. Once again Israel enters a time of peace and rest.    

September 5 -- "When God Repays Evil"

 Today’s Reading: Judges 9:22-57

"When God Repays Evil"

There are times when people do evil and there seems to be no consequences for their actions.  This reality troubled Job who asked, “Why do the wicked live, reach old age, and grow mighty in power?” (Job 21:7)  It also grieved Asaph who said, “For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” (Psalm 73:3)  The truth is that sometimes evil goes unpunished – at least in this lifetime.

There are other times when evil people are repaid by God swiftly and decisively.  Chapter 9 of Judges records one such instance – when God returned evil upon Abimilech for his arrogant, corrupt, and brutal takeover of Shechem.

You remember that Abimilech wanted to be crowned as ‘king’.  So, he enlisted the help of some mercenaries from Shechem to murder his 69 brothers in cold blood.  Fortunately, one brother, Jotham – the youngest, escaped the treachery of these men.  Following his escape, Jotham shouted down his rebuke upon the people of Shechem.  During his scathing message, Jotham pronounced a curse upon Abimilech and the Shechemites.  He said, “If you have done an evil thing in choosing Abimilech, then let fire come down and devour the leaders of Shechem and Abimelech.”

In due course trouble arose among Abimelech and the Shechemites.  In due course, God repaid them for their evil.  In due course, Jotham’s curse was fulfilled.  Abimelech’s uncontrolled rage and lack of caution soon brought about his own death. The Shechemites who supported him were also destroyed, as Jotham had predicted.  The evil that they did against Gideon's sons was repaid by God.

That the men of Israel would ever follow such a man as Abimelech provides a sad commentary on the moral and spiritual level of God’s people at that time. This is what incomplete obedience to God’s Law and compromise with His enemies produces - a poor choice of a leader and God’s retribution for evil.  This is why we must take our duty of choosing leaders very prayerfully and carefully.  If we choose well, our nation will prosper.  If we choose poorly, we invite the judgment of God.  Maybe not immediately, but in due course, God will repay evil.

"Fret not yourself because of evildoers, do not be envious of wrongdoers.  For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.” (Psalm 37:1-2)  God will ultimately repay all evil done by unrepentant and unbelieving people.  Sometimes in this life.  Sometimes in the life to come.  But make no mistake – evil actions by evil people do not escape the watching eye of our Creator.

September 4 -- "The Trees Tell a Tale"

Today’s Reading: Judges 9:1-21 

"The Trees Tell a Tale"

A wise leader will turn down positions of power that do not align with their purpose and calling, while deceitful ambitions lead to empty promises and corrupt power grabs.

In Judges 9:19, the context is a parable where the trees are seeking a “king” to rule over them. The olive tree, the fig tree, and the vine all decline the offer, each because they valued the unique contributions they were already making, and did not wish to forsake their fruitfulness. Then comes the bramble, a prickly and less honorable plant, which audaciously claims that if it is anointed as king, the trees can take refuge in its shade, but if not, it will let fire come out and devour the cedars of Lebanon.

Applying the concept of acting in good faith to this verse, we see a striking contrast between the bramble and the other trees. The olive, fig, and vine acted in good faith by declining the kingship because they knew their purpose, their strengths and their limitations. They didn't try to deceive the other trees or overestimate their abilities. Their honest assessment of themselves led them to make a responsible decision based on their true purpose.

On the other hand, the bramble, in its audacious claim, reveals a lack of humility and good faith. Its offer of refuge under its shade seems appealing, but it fails to consider the consequences of its leadership. It demonstrates a self-centered attitude, seeking power without a genuine understanding of what it means to lead and care for others.

The application here is for us to be like the olive, fig, and vine in our lives. We should strive to act in good faith by acknowledging our purpose, strengths, and weaknesses, being honest about our abilities, and not pretending to be something we're not. God has uniquely gifted each of us with talents and purposes, and it's essential to operate within the realm of our calling rather than seeking positions of power and influence for their sake alone.

Moreover, acting in good faith also involves considering the well-being of others and not pursuing personal gain at the expense of others, as the bramble attempted to do. Instead, we should approach leadership opportunities, relationships, and decision-making with integrity, honesty, and a genuine desire to serve and benefit others.

Here we find a valuable lesson in acting in good faith—being true to who we are, understanding our purpose, and considering the impact of our actions on others. Let us embrace the humility and wisdom of the olive, fig, and vine, seeking to bear good fruit and positively influence those around us, rather than attempting a corrupt power grab that may lead us, and others, astray.

September 3 -- "Not Left Redeemerless"

  Today’s Reading: Ruth 4

"Not Left Redeemerless"

After exercising his right of redemption, Boaz married Ruth.  By God’s gracious gift Ruth conceived and they had a son.  They named him Obed, which means "worshipping" or "worshipper."  After this amazing turn of events, the friends of Naomi began to worship the LORD.  They blessed the Lord because He had not left Ruth "without a redeemer," a declaration that could be understood in three ways.

The first way to understand this is that it is a reference to Boaz, the wealthy landowner who had exercised his right of redemption under Jewish law and custom.  By purchasing his deceased relative’s land, Boaz obtained to right to marry Ruth, the woman that he loved. Jesus once taught this parable, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” (Matthew 13:44). Boaz purchased his relative’s field so he could obtain the treasure contained by the field – Ruth.  From that point on, Ruth was not without a redeemer, her husband - Boaz.

Secondly, this could be a reference to the birth of Obed, Ruth’s son, as her redeemer. Having a son was a form of security and protection for Ruth under Jewish custom.  If something ever happened to her husband, Boaz, she would still be under the care and protection of her son.  With Obed as her redeemer, Ruth was assured that she was out of trouble, danger, and need. From that point on, Ruth was not without a redeemer, her son - Obed.

Finally, this is a declaration of the coming future Redeemer (with a capital ‘R’).  It is a prophetic statement about the future Messiah.  Verse 17 of this chapter tells us that Obed would later become the father of Jesse, the father of David.  David, of course was promised by God that through his descendants would come Christ, the King, the Eternal Redeemer.  The prophets of ancient Israel looked for a day when this promise would be fulfilled in an ultimate descendant of David — the Messiah – who would rule over the nation. Jeremiah wrote, “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness’” (Jeremiah 23:5-6).  From that point on, Ruth was not without a Redeemer, her great-great-great...grandson - Jesus of Nazareth. 

In a stunning move that could only be orchestrated by our Genius God, Ruth, the Moabitess, once an outsider and alien to God, became not only part of Israel but part of the lineage of Christ. Ruth was not left without a redeemer – in her husband, Boaz.  Ruth was not left without a redeemer – in her son, Obed.  And, ultimately, Ruth was not left without a Redeemer – in Jesus Christ, the Messiah-King of all.  

Be sure of this, your Creator – the God who loves you – has not left YOU Redeemerless!

September 2 -- "Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It"

 Today’s Reading: Ruth 3

"Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It"

Oftentimes in church we use words but we don’t really know their true meaning. “Redeemed” is one such word. There is an old hymn that goes, “redeemed how I love to proclaim it, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.”  But do we understand what “redeemed” really means?

Here in chapter 3 of Ruth, Boaz makes a tremendous promise to Ruth.  He tells her (if her closer relative won’t do it) “I will redeem you.”  With those words, he is volunteering to become Ruth’s “go’el.” – her kinsman redeemer.  The kinsman-redeemer was a male relative who, according to various laws and customs of Israel, had the privilege or responsibility to act on behalf of a relative who was in trouble, danger, or need. The Hebrew term go’el designates one who delivers or rescues. 

Under Jewish law and custom, a widow’s brother-in-law (or nearest living male relative) would pay the price to purchase her deceased husband’s land. By doing so, he was buying the land to obtain the treasure that goes with it – the widow.  He was agreeing to place her under his care and assimilate her into his family ensuring that she was out of trouble, danger, and need.  When Ruth’s husband died, she was left penniless and without a male protector.  So, that’s when Boaz stepped in and agreed to be her go’el by placing her under his care and assimilating her into his family. Boaz then went through the process of claiming the right of redemption, purchasing her husband’s land, and marrying Ruth.  From that point on, Ruth had no need to fear for she was provided for and protected once again.

Boaz’s offer of redemption is a graphic illustration of our Lord’s offer to us.  Ruth and her go’el (Boaz) are a picture of Christ redeeming His Church.  There were three things that had to happen for someone to be redeemed. The first is that the redeemer had to be a close relative to those in need. The second is that a redeemer had to be willing to act for his lost brothers and sisters. The third and final rule is that the kinsman redeemer had to be able to pay the price for redeeming the land.

In our case, the human race was lost and in trouble, danger, and need.  We were husband-less, provider-less, and protector-less. We were destined for a future of scarcity, emptiness, and darkness.  But then Jesus showed up.  He became our close relative when He became the “Son of Man.”  He showed His willingness to act for us by initiating the process of redemption.  He acted as our go’el when he paid the price to purchase the land (the world) so he could obtain the treasure that came with it – His Bride, the Church.  After He paid the price of His own blood, we have no need to fear, for we are once again under the care of our Redeemer.

“But now thus says the LORD, He who created you… He who formed you… ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine.”  (Isaiah 43:1)

September 1 -- "When the Lord Repays You"

 Today’s Reading: Ruth 2

"When the Lord Repays You"

Boaz had heard of Ruth’s kindness to Naomi and looked for ways to reward her. He gave her food and drink, protected her from the local youths, and made sure that the reapers deliberately left extra grain for her to pick up.  But, as generous as this was, it didn’t seem like enough of a reward to Boaz. So, he goes one step further and says, “The Lord repay you and give you a full reward.”  By his words, Boaz is acknowledging that God alone can adequately reward Ruth for the kindness and loyalty she has shown.  There is way more blessing from the hand of God than from any human hand.

God promises to reward His children for their faith and faithful service to Him. We are exhorted in Scripture to work heartily for the Lord “knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance” (Colossians 3:24).  When you give to the poor, it is like lending to the Lord, and the Lord will pay you back.  And God’s checkbook is bigger than yours.  Even the smallest acts of kindness and love will be repaid by God.  Jesus said, “if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded." (Matthew 10:42)  In fact, when we give away our life; we’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing.  Jesus said, “give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38)

Boaz recognized that even with his considerable wealth there’s no way he could reward Ruth adequately for her actions.  So he calls on God’s wealth, knowing that is vast and immeasurable. God’s repayment doesn’t always come in the form we expect, nor does it always come in this lifetime.  But be certain of this… EVERY tiny act of faith and service you do in the name of the Lord WILL BE rewarded by God – in this life or in eternity – in such vast measures that you cannot even imagine.

“Behold your God!  Look at Him!  When He returns in power and glory, He will pay back His enemies for their evil, and will REWARD all those who have loved Him.” (Paraphrase of Isaiah 40:10)