Called Above His Ability

And he said to Jether his firstborn, “Rise, kill them!” But the youth would not draw his sword; for he was afraid, because he was still a youth. Judges 8:20

The story around the verse for today is interesting for its lessons, but this one moment recorded for all time in the Word shows us an important lesson as well. Here a father issued an order to his firstborn son that was above his ability. The child was too young to be called upon to kill two men by way of execution. He was afraid. He was also disobedient to his father. Young Jether was in one of those corners the world likes to place around us. A critic would say that the youth should not bear a sword he was not prepared to use. It may be that the Jether's father did take away the sword until the youth had matured enough to use it upon command of the king, oops, I think that is 'judge' at this point in Israel's history.

The point for us to learn on this day is the promise made in the Word that God will not call us above our ability in resisting temptation. We may feel at times like that youth, but our Lord has given us the strength to stand firm against those fiery darts of the evil one.

Stand ready to obey our Lord God!

Bucky

P.S. A special treat today, my Marine buddy Kevin shows us how to kick back and have fun in retirement: (you may need to copy and paste into your browser)

https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/retired-nj-police-officer-saves-cashier-who-was-held-hostage-inside-store/2922686/?fbclid=IwAR3Uw-Agidc2oxL43r4mcuR7wzpVdaSAMHLR_J5YX-ADjDu56cWc6j0L4Bs