READING FOR FEBRUARY 7, 2025: JUDGES 12, MATTHEW 5, PSALM 4                                       JUDGES 12 As they did when Gideon defeated the Midianites, Ephraim complained (after victory had been achieved) that they had not been asked by Jephthah to join the battle against the Ammonites. Jephthah, who must have kept good records, pointed out that he had asked them, but they did not help. Although Gideon was able to deescalate his earlier dispute with Ephraim, Jephthah and the men of Gilead fought Ephraim. Do we remember Psalm 133.1, from one of the Psalms of ascent? “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”  Rather than be jealous when other Christians are blessed by God in a certain visible way, Paul suggests we “rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Rom. 12:15). 

As a way of “securing their borders” as is said in politics today, Gilead took control of Jordan River crossings so that Ephraimites couldn’t sneak over into Gilead. When some wanted to cross, they would be asked if they were from Ephraim. If they said, no, they would be asked to speak the word “Sibboleth.” This was a word that people from Ephraim could not pronounce perfectly and would reveal their true identity. As a result of this needless dispute, 42,000 Ephraimites died. 

Paul gives us advice to discern what merits division and what should not cause disputes:Separate/Oppose:   

Mispresenting the Gospel “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!” (Gal.1:8).  

Believers Practicing Sin: But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people. (1 Cor. 5:11).  

Work It Out:                                                                                                                                        Allegiance to Different Spiritual Teachers: “One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided?” (1 Cor. 1:12-13).

Opinions on Non-Essential Matters: “Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not to have quarrels over opinions. One person has faith that he may eat all things, but the one who is weak eats only vegetables.” (Rom. 14:1-2).

Jephthah judged Israel for six years. He was followed by Ibzan of Bethlehem for seven years, 

Elon the Zebulunite for 10 years, and Abdon from Ephriam for eight years. Notice how God chooses judges from various locations within Israel. 

MATTHEW 5 Many sermon series have been preached and study guides written about the Beatitudes. Usually, each sermon or each lesson looks at each Beatitude in isolation. Instead of approaching them this way again, consider how they interact with and modify each other.

READINGS FOR FEBRUARY 7, 2025 CONTINUED: MATTHEW 5, PSALM 4           For example, one could be a peacemaker by agreeing all beliefs and behaviors are fine if sincerely held. But this would be at the expense of hungering and thirsting for righteousness. On the other hand, one could be persecuted, seemingly for holding the truth, but advocate for the truth in a harsh way. All the Beatitudes must be followed in balance to receive the promised blessing. Paul calls this balanced approach “speaking the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15), which he says is vital if we are to “grow up in all aspects into Him [Christ].”

Some have interpreted Jesus’s direction about not putting our light under a bushel as making sure everyone knows about all our good deeds and what great people we are. Notice, though, that the verses about being salt and light immediately follow the Beatitudes. It seems clear from the context that just by following all the Beatitudes, “others will see your good works and glorify your Father is in heaven.” No self-promotion is needed or helpful.

Jesus wants us to aspire to be great in the kingdom of heaven. Notice His three categories 

The rest of the chapter compares Old Testament standards with the higher standards of Jesus:

PSALM 4  

Let’s apply these reassuring words to any problems we are facing at this moment:

• Remember back to when God relieved us during a tough time.
• If we believe in Jesus, consider that the Lord has set us apart for Himself.
• No matter what we feel, trust that the Lord hears us when we call Him.
• If we are trembling physically or emotionally, let’s not sin but mediate on God.
• Let’s believe that the Lord will, WILL! put gladness in our hearts again. 
• Let’s lie down and sleep at night knowing God alone can make us secure and that He alone is enough.