Judges 11:1–2 (NKJV) — “Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor, but he was the son of a harlot; and Gilead begot Jephthah. Gilead’s wife bore sons; and when his wife’s sons grew up, they drove Jephthah out, and said to him, ‘You shall have no inheritance in our father’s house, for you are the son of another woman.’”
Jephthah’s story begins with rejection. Though described as a mighty man of valor, his family cast him out because of the circumstances of his birth. What people saw as disqualification, God later used as preparation. When Israel faced war, the very elders who once despised him came back pleading for his leadership (Judg 11:5–6). What men put down, God lifted up in His perfect time.
We see this theme repeated in Scripture. Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, but God raised him to save nations (Gen 50:20). David was overlooked by his own father, yet anointed king (1 Sam 16:11–13). Even Christ Himself was rejected and despised, yet God exalted Him with a name above every name (Phil 2:9–11). Rejection does not define you—God’s calling does.
When people put you down, remember that God sees the heart. Psalm 113:7 declares, “He raises the poor out of the dust, and lifts the needy out of the ash heap.” Like Jephthah, your rejection can become the very stage for God’s elevation. Stay faithful, for what man disqualifies, God can qualify. The stone the builders reject will always become the cornerstone.
Further readings:
Gen 50:20
1Sa 16:11-13
Psa 113:7
🙏 Blessed Week 🙏
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