Turning to Jether, his oldest son, he said, "Kill them!" But Jether did not draw his sword, because he was only a boy and afraid. Judges 8:20
Zebah and Zalmunna, two kings of Midian, had been captured. As Gideon questioned them, he grew angry at their words, but instead of grabbing his own sword and killing them, he demanded that his son Jether do it.
Jether was a boy, and he was afraid. He responded as frightened boys do; he did nothing.
Why did Gideon ask this of Jether if he was only a boy? Why was Jether carrying a sword if he was only a boy? Why was he with his father on the battlefields if he was only a boy?
Having a son, I understand the struggle. Too often fathers expect too much from their sons. It is as if our demands of them will make them men.
Well, won't they?
Boys don't become men until the expectations of manhood are placed upon them. I have witnessed this firsthand. I have experienced this firsthand. I wish I had done a better job. I wish my father had done a better job. Far too many fathers in our society haven't gotten this right, and generations of men respond as frightened little boys. They do nothing.
Lord, help me on this journey into manhood. It seems to be a never-ending trek. Some days, I feel strong, like a mature, whole man. Others I feel like a boy, afraid to draw my sword. You are the Perfect Father. Call me out. Help me to smite the enemies who taunt me. Give me the courage to respond as a man would.