Jephthah, a Case Study for Leadership

Judges ch 11:1. Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and .

Speaking to us of the grace and faithfulness of God, and not the limiting impossibility with God.
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Jephthah means: He opens Gilead means: Rocky region Tob means: Good. A region east of the Jordan, north or northeast of Gilead, probably Aramean, location uncertain.

Dearth of Leadership
Judges 10: 16-17.
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Armies are arrayed, people are ready to march but there is no leader. World is in need of leaders with character. Let us learn from Jephthah some lessons on Leadership. Each of us are a leader by influence salt of the earth and light on the hill.

Choice of Leadership
The dearth of leadership is reflected in the choice. The Elders of Israel go directly to Jephthah, much like they later go to Samuel to get a king. Jephthah is a story of God s grace twice over grace in spite of circumstances and choice.

Testified Character of a Leader

Judges 11:1
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Valor: Strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness : personal bravery. Merriam-Webster Dictionary. The Holy Spirit introduces Jepthah by his character.

Character is from God but lived out by His Grace.

2 Tim 1:7. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Ps 140:7. O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.

II Tested Caliber of a Leader

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Judges 11:8. Therefore we turn again Jepthahs valor was well known. The Elders of Gilead acknowledge that in spite of his circumstance Jepthah demonstrated he indeed had the strength of mind. We make our mark in little things. Dont wait for the big break, be faithful in the little things. Lk 16:10-11. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true [riches]?

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True Charter of a Leader

Judges 11:9 and 11 and the Lord deliver them before me; uttered all his words before the LORD in Mizpeh. A life that acknowledges that God is the deliverer and submits his every action to Him.

Lesson
1. 2. 3. What is our introduction to the world? How often do we acknowledge God as the source of our valour? How do we respond to circumstances in our lives? Are they stepping stones or stumbling blocks.

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Tactical Constraint of a Leader

Judges 11:12. And Jephthah sent messengers unto the king of the children of Ammon, saying,.. Before rushing in to war Jephthah considers the motivation of his enemy. He is clear in his question. my land? Judges 10:18. The army is ready for war and the new leader still has to prove himself. Often leaders give in to the emotion of time. Josh 5:8. Joshua as a leader was willing to trust God enough to have his men circumcised AFTER they crossed over Jordan.

Tapping Culture as a Leader

Judges 11:15-27 He knows both His God and Gods Word. Josh 1:8. He recognized that was the identity both the children of Israel and Him. He knew both the story and the implication of the story behind them. Sunday School teachers often struggle with lessons, since most kids know the stories. The stories are for our instruction and for correction. Focus on these through different ways. Reiterate the principles and the implications and they will learn to stand as leaders in the future. 2 Tim 3:16-17. Judges 11:26. Jephthah knew his history. Love for the subject will make you learn more of the subject. o Our King is our subject (pun unintended) the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Do you know what He has done for you?

Contrast of Leadership
Judges 11:28. Howbeit king of the children of Ammon hearkened not It is in the rejection that we headlong fall in trouble and rout. Lesson: We have heard but we have not listened. Regretted but not repented. God calls us to heed. God has spoken, and Gods children have warned, yet we march on regardless, giving excuses and concessions for why we will continue to do what we want to do, to our sure destruction. This is the definition of rebellion and according to the Bible is Idolatry. Viji. 14 July 2011.

Constraint of Leadership
Leaders cannot afford to be careless and reckless. The downfall of rash emotional statements is that these become the vows that trap us. o Practice of the Do it if it feels right. Practice of

Say it in black and white and don t colourize your talk .

Did He or Did He not?

The Holy Spirit is clear yet cryptic. Pages have been filled through centuries on whether: y Jephthah went ahead with the human sacrifice. y God should be held guilty of man slaughter and abetting in the crime, and y It was Gods Sovereignty or human responsibility. Lesson: Holy Spirit keeps it cryptic because He wants us to focus on the main lesson. y Dont barter with God. We either put out the fleece or we tempt God by offering unrequited and irreverent vows. y James 5:12. But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and [your] nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.