on the walk

We had a sermon on Jephthah today. That takes guts. I have at least two reflections that I want to share. The second is about my response to the sermon. This was one of those times that the sermon connected with startling accuracy to the stuff in my life. I was moved and inspired and challenged and even a bit bruised by the sermon. But I want to process that side a bit more before a share. The first reflection I have to share is actually on a character that was only briefly mentioned: Jephthah’s daughter.

Just so we are all up to speed, you can find the sermon here and you can read the relevant text in Judges 11 and 12.

I find myself wishing I knew more about Jephthah’s daughter. We are used to talking about he sacrifice of Isaac as a type for Jesus. But really he is type for us. We are the one who should be sacrificed and lamb is provided to spare us. But in this story things are different. She knows what is going on. She understands the burden. She willing gives up her life so that her Father can keep his word.

I can’t help thinking about the promises that God made: to Noah, God promised never again to destroy, to Abram God promised to bless all people, to Moses God promised to send a new prophet, to David God promised to establish his house forever, to Isaiah God promised so much including a new heaven and earth when all things would be made right, to Jeremiah God promised to write the law on our hearts.

Jephthah made rash promises that should not have been made, and he kept them because his daughter said, “My father you have given your word to the LORD. Do to me just as you promised.”

God made extravagant promises, perhaps one might say foolish promises because they could only be kept by Christ saying, “My Father, you have given your word to your people. Not my will but yours be done.”

on the walk

-Ethan

Ps. I have more to say on this sermon. I have one textual quibble and personal reflection still to come.

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