Ehud: The Second Judge
We continue our study with the Book of Judges by moving further into Chapter 3. We are following a six-week Bible Study by Katie M. Reid entitled, “God, What Do I do?” This study is based on the Book of Judges, Chapters 1-5, and we are digging into what these lessons teach us about making wise decisions in uncertain times.
Last Friday, we met Ehud and how God used him when Israel once again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and were ready to give up from the intense opposition they were facing in the land. As God’s people, we face opposition in our land. Ehud’s courage reminds us we must make a decision to endure, as well as trust God and press through with courageous actions. Jesus faced opposition, so we are going to do the same as we are being made in His image.
Today, we are studying Judges 3:24-30 and our focus is, “God, What Do I Do When I Experience Opposition?”
Our God tends to ask things from us that are rather unusual and most times uncomfortable. When I was much younger, God called me to take charge of an educational program at a church involving 285 Sunday School attendees. I faced opposition because I brought different ideas and ways to study the Bible. A year later, God nudged me to become the PTA president at our kids’ school where I faced opposition from a controlling principal who thought I would be a puppet. Nope. I have faced opposition due to my passion for God, my convictions based on the Word of God, and my heart for the lives of unborn babies. I am years down the road and I still hang onto those things God placed in me.
If you are going to serve the Lord, you will need to set your eyes above the opposition. Ehud served God by protecting and delivering His people. He led a revolt against the Moabite domination. Ehud forshadowed the eternal Deliverer.
Life in this fallen world brings oppressive pressure to conform to the culture. However, we have been called to follow the Word of the Lord and stand for Truth. Remember, sin is our greatest enemy and Jesus is our Deliverer. Look much higher than the opposition.
Judges 3:24-30 NLT
24 After Ehud was gone, the king’s servants returned and found the doors to the upstairs room locked. They thought he might be using the latrine in the room, 25 so they waited. But when the king didn’t come out after a long delay, they became concerned and got a key. And when they opened the doors, they found their master dead on the floor.
26 While the servants were waiting, Ehud escaped, passing the stone idols on his way to Seirah. 27 When he arrived in the hill country of Ephraim, Ehud sounded a call to arms. Then he led a band of Israelites down from the hills.
28 “Follow me,” he said, “for the Lord has given you victory over Moab your enemy.” So they followed him. And the Israelites took control of the shallow crossings of the Jordan River across from Moab, preventing anyone from crossing.
29 They attacked the Moabites and killed about 10,000 of their strongest and most able-bodied warriors. Not one of them escaped. 30 So Moab was conquered by Israel that day, and there was peace in the land for eighty years.
Truth: When you experience opposition, decide to follow God’s strategic lead as you endure.
Prayer: Lord, when the Israelites rallied and followed Ehud—Your appointed deliverer—the people were ready to endure and follow Your plan into victory. Because of the people’s obedience to fulfill Your will, You turned the tables and the Moabites became subjects of Israel. Jesus, thank You for making our sinful enemies Your footstool. May we continue to fulfill Your will, today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.