GOD OF THE “TRASHED”

GOD OF THE “TRASHED”

Judges 11:1-11

Ø  He was called a bastard.

Ø  He was sent out by his brothers to the land Tob.

Ø  He met and made friends with the worthless and began to raid.

Ø  Israel was to be attacked by the Ammonites.

Ø  They had no one to lead in battle, hence they sent for him.

Now, remember he was sent away, he made friends and lived among the worthless, the bible says in

Judges 11:3

So Jephthah fled from his brothers and lived in the land of Tob. Soon he had a band of “WORTHLESS REBELS” following him. (NLT)   

Judges 11:3

So Jephthah fled from his brothers and went to live in the land of Tob. Some “RIFF-RAFF” joined him and went around with him. (THE MESSAGE)   

Judges 11:3

Then Jephthah fled from his brothers and dwelt in the land of Tob; and “WORTHLESS MEN” banded together with Jephthah and went out RAIDING with him. (NKJV)

            Please note the word “RAID”, which means a sudden attack on an enemy or on a building to commit crime. That means Jephthah must have been a criminal because it wasn’t recorded that he joined The Force in Tob. Why will the elders of Israel run to a criminal for help? They must have heard of his wicked acts! Probably it’s because of his strategic moves and clean operations in time past.  A bandit, an outlaw and a bastard is now in negotiation with the elders of his fatherland not just that alone, they also came with the proposal to make him their head. Judges 11:8 “...you'll be the head of all of us, all the Gileadites." (THE MESSAGE) This is God at work!   

Now, in Judges 11:11, “Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and commander over them; and Jephthah spoke all his words before the Lord in Mizpah” (NKJV). Don’t forget he was a criminal, but God heard him, because He is merciful. God wanted to turn Jephthah’s life around and He also wants him to drop his wretched old life; hence He planned a war between Israel and the Ammonites. God had known that this event will call Jephthah to repentance and then He (God) will be able to talk with him.

Never think that your sin is so terrible that it can’t be pardoned; the Bible says in Isa 1:18 "Come, let's discuss this. Even if your sins are as dark as red dye, that stain can be removed and you will be as pure as wool that is as white as snow” (Easy-to-Read Version). Maybe people around you have written you off, God is still much interested in you! He loves you just the way you are and that’s why he gave you this unmerited and gracious invitation. Do not permit the guilt of your past way of life rob you of this. “Come unto me all that labour and heavy laden...” He is waiting to hear you say your words of repentance and reconciliation, all He wants is your sincerity. Today is the day of salvation and the time is now. This is the gospel of LOVE and HOPE, you are lovable and your situation is not hopeless, because the “God of the TRASHED” is here waiting to embrace you.

HE LOVES YOU.