Episode 60: Beware of Fighting the Wrong Opponent

In Podcast Episode 60, “Beware of Fighting the Wrong Opponent,” Kim discusses the conflict between Jephthah and the tribe of Ephraim. Instead of joining together to fight the true enemies of the Lord, many lives were lost fighting each other.

 

The primary scripture text for this episode is Judges 12:1-7, with the focal scriptures 1 and 6b.

 

1 Then the people of Ephraim mobilized an army and crossed over the Jordan River to Zaphon. They sent this message to Jephthah: “Why didn’t you call for us to help you fight against the Ammonites? We are going to burn down your house with you in it!”…6b Then they would take him and kill him at the shallow crossings of the Jordan. In all, 42,000 Ephraimites were killed at that time.

 

Compare to Judges 8:1-3.

 

1 Then the people of Ephraim asked Gideon, “Why have you treated us this way? Why didn’t you send for us when you first went out to fight the Midianites?” And they argued heatedly with Gideon.

2 But Gideon replied, “What have I accomplished compared to you? Aren’t even the leftover grapes of Ephraim’s harvest better than the entire crop of my little clan of Abiezer? 3 God gave you victory over Oreb and Zeeb, the commanders of the Midianite army. What have I accomplished compared to that?” When the men of Ephraim heard Gideon’s answer, their anger subsided.

See also Kim’s blog post—“Fighting Your ‘Real’ Opponent”

 

Suggested Resources:

• “War Room”
• “The Screwtape Letters” by C. S. Lewis

 

“Just because you argue doesn’t mean you fight well.” -Miss Clara from War Room

 

"Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus" Facebook Group:

 

Our NEW Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus.

Online Bible Study Courses:

 

Would you like to take a deeper dive into the book of Joshua and learn more about the Israelite story, join Kim as she teaches “Finding Courage for Life’s Battles: Life Lessons from the Book of Joshua.”

 

To take her FREE 3-Day Online Bible Study entitled “Let  God Transform U through His Word: Why Is Personal Bible Study So Important to Your Christian Life?”.

 

Check out Kim's website at https://gettinghealthyall4hisglory.com for blog posts and her PDF Printable collection.

 

Remember, “It’s Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!”

 

If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at gettinghealthyall4hisglory@gmail.com.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

 

1-800-273-8255

 

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/