Text:         Judges 11:1-8

By:            Bro. Isaac Ekaragha

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Discrimination simply means the practice of treating somebody or a particular group in society less fairly than others.

Looking down on someone means is to feel that someone is less important than you or does not deserve some respect. It also means to think that you are better than someone else, for example because you are more privileged, more successful or of a higher social class than they are.

Introduction 

It is an irrational practice to either despise, discriminate against or look down on anyone for whatsoever reasons be it by reason of noble birth, wealth, education or other social parameters. It is amazing to note that some parents even discriminate against their own children for various reasons. It is my opinion that any delinquent child must be corrected in love and sense of discipline. No one knows for sure which child could be a source of blessing to the parents in the future. Even if he does, he has his limitations. But God our creator is infallible being, omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent at any given time. He has the capability to change circumstances within seconds. He knows the reason for everything for the Lord says “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion”. Again, He says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” – Romans 9:15, Isaiah 55:8-9.

Background                                                                                     

 Now, from the above text and passage, Jephthah, son of Gilead was a product of an unholy and illegitimate union. He had become estranged from his kindred occasioned by the nature of his birth. He had become hated and been made an outcast and banished from his ancestral home. He had sojourned in the land of Tob where he raised a worthless band of army to do raids with him. The opportunity for him to prove himself as a mighty man of valour emerged when Ammon threatened and challenged Israel to war. Then the elders of Gilead had to ask for Jephthah’s assistance by leading his army against the enemy, offering his leadership role over Gilead. After several tense altercations between him and the elders, he had to accept the offer having defeated the Ammonites – Judges 11:6-8,13.

MORAL LESSONS DRAWN FROM THE ELDERS OF GILEAD AND JEPHTHAH’S EXPERIENCES

• Jephthah suffered a crime he did not commit as well as psychological trauma of repudiation.
• Do not look down on anyone because the one you look down on today might be the person you will look up to tomorrow – 5,8.
• One should look carefully before leaping, meaning to think about the possible results, consequences, or dangers of something before doing it – Vs 2.
• Be fair to all, no matter the circumstances – vs 2, Colossians 3:12-14.
• Avoid lifestyles, capable of breeding dissipation – vs 1.
• Learn to forgive others who have hurt you – 11.
• Jephthah had strong trust in the Lord over his request and anticipated victory – vs 30.
• God can turn around any situation for your favour – 32, Genesis 18:14.
• One’s ancestral home is the best no matter the level of comfort you may enjoy in a foreign land – 9.

OTHER BIBLE CHARACTERS THAT WERE LOOKED DOWN ON OR REJECTED WHO LATER SAVED THEIR GENERATIONS 

• Jesus was rejected in Nazareth His own town – Matthew 13;53-57.
• Joseph was rejected by his family who even plotted to kill him but for God’s intervention – Genesis 37.

HOW TO STOP LOOKING DOWN ON PEOPLE

• Put yourself in other’s shoes to develop empathy.
• Accept yourself (including all of your flaws) to become more accepting to others
• Practice regular medication and a mindfulness to keep a calm mood. 

VALUABLE PRINCIPLES THAT HELP TO TREAT PEOPLE BETTER 

• Instead of judging people by their past, stand by them and help them build their future.
• Listen with curiosity, speak with candour and act with integrity.
• Treat everyone with kindness – not because they are kind-hearted but because you are.
• Do not try to make yourself great by making someone else small.
• Appreciate those who have supported you, forgive those who have hurt you. Help those in need.

Conclusion 

Life is a mystery. Do not look down on anyone for any reason. Those you think are nobody might become somebody in the future. It does not even end there; you might need their help someday! Be fair to everyone. God our creator is the best judge who plan things His own way.

May God bless this admonition in our hearts in Jesus’ name – amen.

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