Scripture: Judges 11:1-11, and 11:29-40
Dear Church,
If we don’t know God, we cannot make an acceptable sacrifice. Even if we want to.
In the book of Judges, there is a terrible, tragic and important story about a man named Jephthah and his only daughter. Jephthah was one of the judges of Israel. He was an honorable man, who suffered abuse and exile at the hands of his own brothers and still returned to help them in their hour of need. Even though he was rejected by his people, he bravely and humbly agreed to serve them. He understood the history and covenant of Israel–ironically, more than those who believed they were the only ‘true’ Israelites. And he grounded his life in worship and dedicated his ministry to God.
In short, he desired with all his heart to love and serve God and God’s people.
But in a critical moment, he made a tragic vow, believing it was necessary and pleasing to God. And then, he kept that promise, believing it was faithfulness. He believed God required him to kill his only daughter.
Because he didn’t know the God he loved and served.
If we do not know God, if we do not know our own sacred history, we can be convinced to do all sorts of evil and call it faithful and righteous.
We often assume that everything in scripture is prescriptive–an example for us to follow. But much of scripture is descriptive–showing us the truth of how we can be deceived and twisted by lies and idolatry. We are gathering around the story of Jephthah and his daughter because we must learn to recognize and reject violent and destructive sacrifices as unacceptable to God and God’s people.
When we know God, we will no longer be deceived.
Peace,
Pastor Kate
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