Topic: Brevity of Life [Thursday April 2, 2015]
Text: Judges 12:7-15
Key Verse: “And Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then died Jephthah the Gileadite, and was buried in one of the cities of Gilead” (Judges 12:7).
For every man, life is short and uncertain. Only the near-approach of death is ever so sure. The great object in the minds of all men therefore, should be to live a life that counts for eternity. We need to
endeavour to leave memories of how we lived, served and died in the will of God.
Jephthah was rejected by others but God still drew him nearer to be used. God would use anyone who forsakes sin and draws closer to Him. Through his boldness and faith in the God of Israel, Jephthah obtained great deliverance for Israel against the Ammonites. He was a man of his word, even when those words cost him much pain. His steadfastness is a virtue believers ought to imbibe today.
Although Jephthah died after only six years of his victory over the Ammonites, that victory brought peace that lasted over 31 years to Israel. The three judges that ruled immediately after Jephthah, had no wars to fight for their reigns were peaceful.
However, Israel soon went back to their sinful lifestyle afterwards. The three succeeding judges passed away quickly after their respective short reigns that God might again visit Israel for their sin and backsliding. When iniquity abounds in the land, and righteous leaders become few, it is a sign that evil days are near.
The lessons in today’s passage are many. First, we must realize that life is short. No matter how long we live, it cannot be compared to endless life hereafter in a desirable or undesirable destination. Second, it is unwise to bask endlessly in the joy of any earthly victory or success but direct our gaze to a more serious and solemn consideration of our eternal home and what qualifies us for eternal bliss with God. Third, we must endeavour to make peace between man and God at all times.
Bible in One Year: Psalm 11-18
Thought for The Day: The righteous is taken away from the wrath to come.
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
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