“Ephriam’s Pride Destroys
Them”
The Ephraimite forces were called out, and they
crossed over to Zaphon. They said to Jephthah, "Why did you go to fight
the Ammonites without calling us to go with you? We're going to burn down your
house over your head." (v.1)
Some people are never satisfied with leadership and
are chronic complainers! That describes Ephriam, perfectly. Here again in
chapter 12, as they did with Gideon in chapter 8, the Ephrainites were complaining,
second guessing, even threatening Jephthat, when they should have been
rejoicing over his victory against Ammon.
After having brushed-off Jephthah's plea for help
in the fight against Ammon, Ephraim had the gall to charge Jephthah "Why
didn't you call us to go with you?" In their pride, they couldn't stand
the fact that Jephthat was successful without them and leveled insults against
him and his men (v.5). This led to a deadly battle between the two, leading to
the death of forty-two thousand Ephraimites (v.6). All because of pride.
We too must fight against our pride and egos,
desiring to be recognized – thinking why them and not me? We must
fight against the lies of satan sturring us up to argue, dispute or discredit
leadership. How? by following and supporting those God has chosen to lead. And above
all, remain humble - for pride destroys.
Don't mess with God's elect. He will look over His and hold them accountable. Ours is not to judge but to support.
Don't mess with God's elect. He will look over His and hold them accountable. Ours is not to judge but to support.
The Truth
"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a
fall." (Proverbs 16:18)
