The story of Jephthah in the book of Judges makes for harrowing reading. He vowed to the Lord that if he were to be victorious in battle he would burn as an offering the first person that came out of his house to meet him on his return. That person turned out to be his only child – his daughter who meant the world to him – but he still fulfilled his vow and his daughter was in agreement.

Yet his name appears in Hebrews 11 as a hero of faith. Ours is not to judge. I remember our Bible School Principal commenting that he needn't have carried out his vow, but could have repented of making it and God would have released him from it. To say the least it had been rash. I agree with him. Arthur E Cundall (Tyndale) however seems to endorse his actions.

Yet his vow was in direct disobedience to a specific command of God (Dt. 12:29-31). Other Scripture that come to mind are: "mercy triumphs over judgement"; "the letter kills but the Spirit gives life"; "which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" and both Jesus and James saying: "Do not swear at all" and "Let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No', 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one".

However, the last word on Jephthah is one that commends his faith. In my experience, Christians are often looking for faults, and, when they find some, which they always will, they feel justified in condemning the one in question. But God isn't looking for faults. He doesn't need to. He knows we are all flawed sinners. But he is looking for faith: confidence in him and his promises; trust in his character and justice; our being ready, willing and wanting to entrust ourselves and our loved ones into his hands; bold steps and statements of faith; prompt obedience without being able to see what the consequences might be; knowing that he causes all things to work together for the good of those who love him. Jesus said: "When the Son of man comes will he find faith on the earth?" May he be sure to find it in me today!