S) "7 Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then Jephthah the Gileadite died and was buried in one of the cities of Gilead."
Judges 12:7 (NASB)
O) This chapter ends the story of Jephthah and after this verse, it lists another three judges who appeared after him. Each of the successive judges were in place longer than Jephthah, but had much less written about them. Initially, this presents the truth that importance does not always translate to longevity. Jephthah had some very important things happen in his time as judge, but that didn't necessarily translate to a long reign as judge. This is for a few reasons. First, the important things that happen are not always positive things. For example, Jephthah made one of the most tragic vows in the entire Bible (see Judges 11:30-35). Second, peace is boring. Sometimes, positive things like liberation from oppression, are important and notable. Sometimes, positive things seem less notable. Like, continued peace where there is no actual battle, no striving for freedom, and no dramatic rescue. The last thing to note, is that God's timing is perfect and man's timing is not. God determined the length of years these men judged Israel. It could very well be that God was the most pleased with Jephthah as judge, and the next few judges were less pleasing, but the LORD had his own reasons for letting them judge longer than Jephthah. We may just never know.
A) By and large, I have learned that I do not want to be in charge. Like it or not, I am in charge of some things, leading some people. With that, I need to remember that uneventful is pretty great sometimes. There is a temptation to think that boring is bad, but it doesn't have to be. Media portrays relationships in a series of conflict and resolution that can make the absence of it seem like I'm missing something. In truth, having long stretches of my marriage with nothing to write about isn't a bad thing. Yes, my wife and I should certainly be doing notable things for God. Pursuing Him together is our first priority. Raising children to know and love Jesus is a close second. There are ministry opportunities for us as a couple, and individually. All of this is important, but it's not always gonna-write-this-in-a-book level noteworthy. That is okay. In fact, that is usually pretty good. There are a lot of stories in the Bible that tell of God's great and mighty works, and almost all of them have some level of tragedy that I think I would just as soon not invite into my life. Jesus promised that following Him would have its fair share of hardship, so I have not need to seek it out. When it comes, maybe I'll have something to fill pages in an autobiography some day. Until then, I'll enjoy the slow, uneventful days for the simple gift of peace that they are, however long they last.
P) Father, You are faithful to hear me when I cry out to You. I know there have been times in my past when that is exactly the order of events, going from tragedy to outcry, from prayer to Your rescue. It makes me appreciate uneventful days. There is a romanticizing that happens sometimes, when I read my Bible. There is that temptation in me to desire the sort of conflict and drama that I read. When I think of it soberly, Lord, I am thankful for the peaceful days You give me. In them, I never want to lose sight of my need for You. As much as hard times draw me close to You, I'd just as soon not need them for that. Help me stay devoted, chasing after You wholeheartedly, even when I don't feel the need. I know that my feelings are not always right, and even if I don't feel the need, it is still there. Thank You for Your promises, and thank You for the peace I have now. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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