Tues.’s Devo - Get Ready

Read: Judges 11:1-12:5; John 1:1-28; Psalm 101:1-8; Proverbs 14:13-14
Jephthah might have been the son of a prostitute and a tough dude but he knew Israel’s history and what God had done for her. When he was asked to come back and lead Gilead’s army against the Ammonites, he was a great choice. He stood up to the Ammonites because he knew with God nothing would be impossible. God gave him the victory but sadly, Jephthah made a foolish vow to kill whatever came out of his door first.
In their rural lifestyle, animals came freely in and out of their house. He expected a goat or a lamb to come out, but instead it was his only child, his daughter. Her reaction was what is so Christ-like. She totally submitted to her father’s word and just asked for two months to mourn with her friends the fact that she would never marry. I wonder if Jesus mourned the fact that he couldn’t marry when he lived on earth? I’m sure he did.
Jephthah only lived six more years and then Ibzan led Israel from Bethlehem. He was another leader that the number 30 shows up. He had 30 sons and 30 daughters, and for his 30 sons he bought 30 wives outside his clan. He ruled 7 years, then Elon lead Israel 10 years. He died and Abdon led Israel. He had 40 sons and 30 grandsons who rode on 70 donkeys. I wish I could tell you what all this means but I can tell you this…it is significant! Jesus began his ministry at 30 and he was the greatest judge and ruler of the world.
We start reading John today, the most beloved disciple. In starts his book so profoundly expressing that Jesus has been here since before “the beginning”. Everything came into being through Jesus and there is no life except through him. He illuminates the world and since he is in us, we illuminate the world.
After John explains who Jesus is he explains who John the Baptist was. John the Baptist was a voice in the wilderness preparing the people for the Messiah. He preached repentance of heart so they would be open and ready to receive the Lord. Everyone who comes to Jesus must first repent of their sins and ask forgiveness then they are ready to ask Jesus in to their hearts. John was sent to do the first part.
Lord help us to be careful to lead a blameless life and be ready for You when you come for us.