Judges 11 & 12: The Spirit Of The LORD
Verse of the Day: (11:29) 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.

1. Son (11:1-28)
Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah. (11:1)

Everyone including Christians has strength and weaknesses and we will only be perfect when we get to heaven. Though Jephthah was a mighty man of valour, yet he was the son of an harlot and was rejected by his people. However the day came when the Ammonites declared war against them that the elders of Israel pleaded with Jephthah to be their captain. Jephthah agreed to their request provided that they made him the head of Israel if he would succeed in overcoming the Ammonites. Subsequently he led Israel to victory and became the judge of Israel. Indeed, though we are sinners rejected by God, but once we believe in and receive Jesus Christ as our Saviour, we become His sons. (John 1:12)
    
2. Spirit (11:29-40)
And he smote them from Aroer, even till thou come to Minnith, even twenty cities, and unto the plain of the vineyards, with a very great slaughter. Thus the children of Ammon were subdued before the children of Israel. (11:33)

The Spirit of God was with Jephthah, and he led Israel to completely subdue the Ammonites. However, Jephthah was too rash in making his vow to God as he offered to Him the first individual who would meet him at the door of his house if he would win the war. He never thought that the first person to meet him was his only child instead of his servants. As a result of his vow, his only daughter was offered to God, and she remained single for the rest of her life. Indeed, though we are God’s children, and His Spirit is in us, yet let us be careful of what we vow to Him, otherwise we live to regret. (John 14:15-17)  

3. Shibboleth (12:1-15)
Then said they unto him, Say now Shibboleth: and he said Sibboleth: for he could not frame to pronounce it right. Then they took him, and slew him at the passages of Jordan: and there fell at that time of the Ephraimites forty and two thousand. (12:6)

Pride is the main cause of divorce, church splits and the fall of organisations. There was civil war in Israel as the Ephraimites fought against Israel because they were angry that they were not called to fight against the Ammonites. However, the real reason was their pride. Subsequently, Israel defeated the Ephraimites, only when they would pronounce Shibboleth as Sibboleth, and this was how Israel distinguished them. Indeed, let us humble ourselves before God knowing that without Him, we are nothing. (James 4:1-10)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that Your Holy Spirt dwells in me now and forever.