Following our Shepherd’s example

The Ephraimites were definitely arrogant hotheads. We saw this already in chapter 8.

And arrogant hotheads can say stupid, hurtful things. We can’t control their actions.

But we can control our responses.

How should we respond? By following our Shepherd’s example. Peter wrote,

But when you do what is good and suffer, if you endure it, this brings favor with God.

For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

He did not commit sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth; when he was insulted, he did not insult in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten but entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. (1 Peter 2:20-23)

Like Jephthah, Jesus did good, and yet suffered threats and accusations.

But unlike Jephthah, who in his anger destroyed his enemies, Jesus didn’t sin in his response. Instead, he entrusted himself to his heavenly Father, going to the cross, praying for his enemies, and purchasing our salvation. (1 Peter 2:24)

We were like sheep going astray, but by his grace our Shepherd brought us back (1 Peter 2:25). Let us strive to do the same with those who hurt us.