Contending for Your Kingdom Identity: He Sent Jephthah

In 1 Timothy 6:12, Paul encourages Timothy, his son in the Lord, to fight, contend, or pursue “the life you have been called to.” This admonishment gives evidence to demonic opposition when endeavoring to live out one’s divine purpose. It is a call for perseverance, spiritual warfare and a pressing in to God’s desire (or will).

Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses. (MSG)

Jeremiah not only bears witness to a “life-calling” but attests to a specific wiring that I refer to as Kingdom Identity, directly linked to one’s life-assignment (1:5). It depicts God’s careful attention to details and divine forethought when He deposited His purpose into His creation. On the one hand the words “ I ordained you” or I made you to be provide security and peace, while on the other commands an urgent response. Hebrews 12:1 likens this life-calling to the race marked out for us, confirming a specific, divinely designated, tailor-made race, which demands one’s presence, participation and victory, “Run to win!” Living in this light, individuals facilitate God’s desire in the earth!

Is there any wonder why the enemy fights so intensely to keep people from realizing their Kingdom Identity, who God made them to be, and as a result, what they are capable of? The story of Jephthah portrays the impact of kingdom identity over and above one’s natural station. He was a chayil warrior or mighty man of valor, who had been excommunicated by his brothers. “You’re not getting any of our family inheritance—you’re the son of another woman” (Judges 11:2 MSG). Through the pain of rejection, Jephthah fled from his brothers and moved to Tob, where he, true to his wiring, became a leader, if only to a group of rebels. As usual, whenever the people of God found themselves in trouble, YHWH would hear their cry and send a deliverer; this time He Sent Jephthah. When the Ammonites attacked Israel, the elders sent for Jephthah, who responded accordingly, “Aren’t you those who drove me from my father’s house? Now you come to me when you're in trouble?” Which begs the question, “Why Jephthah?”

The elders responded, “We need you!” Certainly it wasn't Jephthah’s natural station that made him so appealing, that was the very reason he had been banished. No! Theirs was a demand for what he carried, his ability as a chayil warrior, to powerfully defeat his enemies with superhuman-like capabilities. Like David who gave credit to God when fighting Goliath, Jephthah knew that the Lord would grant him victory (9). In true chayil fashion, Jephthah made no alliance with the enemy, “We will keep whatever the Lord has given us” (24). Jephthath, activated by the Spirit of the Lord, did not disappoint (29-32).

Jephthah could have easily allowed circumstances and the opinions of others to determine his existence! He was disowned and denied his inheritance, yet refused to be confined by natural limitations. He knew who he was in God and would not tolerate the undermining of his God-given purpose! Scholars argue that Jephthah’s rash vow indicates his lack of trust, yet he’s listed in Hebrews 11:34 as one who through faith, became invincible in battle. Though human, he was not distinguished by position or affiliation but by his kingdom identity. May we resist the urge to withdraw, retaliate or perform and boldly proclaim like Jephthah, “We will hold to whatever God gives us” and simply but courageously BE!

You are who God says you are!
You have whatever God says you have!
You can do whatever God says you can do!