Spoiled Fruit

The men of Ephraim called out their forces, crossed over to Zaphon and 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."

Jephthah answered, "I and my people were engaged in a great struggle with the Ammonites, and although I called, you didn't save me out of their hands. When I saw that you wouldn't help, I took my life in my hands and crossed over to fight the Ammonites, and the LORD gave me the victory over them. Now why have you come up today to fight me?" Judges 12: 1-3

Wait just one minute! Jephthah has already gone to battle and saved the day and her comes the tribe of Ephraim “Johnny come lately” on the scene. Not only that, but they’re also ready to do battle?

Yeah right sonny.

Of course Jephthah proceeded to lay the smack down on them for a cool minute but it really didn’t have to be that way… After all they are all family.

That’s no bueno.

But sometimes the folks who seem like they are the closest to us are the ones planning on taking us down when we seem weak. Jephthah’s response was perfect though. He had a job to do, he asked for help, and when it wasn’t given he took matters into his own hands.

We cannot just sit around waiting for others to get in the game with us. Sure life is a team sport. But, if you are ready to move, move with the troops you have.

Because sometimes no matter how long you wait, reinforcements never come. Then you are left in a worse position. Time has past, opportunities have been lost, and perhaps dreams have dried up.

So seize your purpose while it is still ripe. If not, the fruit of your labor might spoil before you can get your hands on it.

That stinks.

Today’s Reading: Judges 11-12; Luke 6:1-26