Judges 3:12-20 – EGLON – BIBLE CHARACTERS: LIMITED ABILITY, UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES
If you use this message in a prayer meeting, Sunday School class, or evening service, you might want to begin by asking these two questions:
“There is at least one thing you do well. What is it?”
“There is at least one thing you don’t do well. What is it?”
In this passage of Scripture, we meet Ehud, a man who was probably handicapped. Although he had limited ability, because God controlled his life, he had unlimited possibilities for usefulness.
Othniel, the last judge, had passed away (Vs. 11). Israel went back to sinning against God (Vs. 12).
Eglon and his helpers were allowed by God to dominate Israel and Israel served him for 18 years (Vss. 12-14).
Israel cried out to God for help (Vs. 15)
Because God was in control of Ehud’s life:
HE WAS ASSIGNED – Vs. 15
God raised up a deliverer. He assigned Ehud to the task. God does not always assign the most obvious person to a task. Ehud had a problem. In a right-handed world, he was left-handed. Although we can not be certain, there is evidence that Ehud had little or no use of his right hand.
The phrase left-handed can be translated ‘handicapped in the right hand.’
There is encouragement here for you and I. When God makes it obvious that He wants us to do something, we look at our limitations or “handicaps.” We think that God surely find someone better for the job. However God has a way of using those who just may not appear to be as talented or skilled as others (Zechariah 4:6, 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, 2 Corinthians 12:9).
HE WAS AVAILABLE
We have no record that Ehud ever thought of doing other than what God called Him to do.
He could have used his handicap as an excuse, but didn’t. When God calls us we can find all sorts of excuses, but shouldn’t! God is looking for men and women who are available (Ezekiel 22:30, Isaiah 6:8, Romans 12:1).
HE WAS ALERT – Vss. 16-26
God guided Ehud to devise a plan. A great plan it was. It even took advantage of his handicap.
When we are called upon to serve the Lord, our plans should be as well thought out and prayed over as these apparently were (Ephesians 5:15-17).
HE WAS AGGRESSIVE – Vss. 27-30
Ehud put quite a thrust into the belly of Eglon.
Then he took leadership responsibilities.
The fords were guarded. Nobody was allowed to escape.
Jesus told us to be “…wise as serpents, and harmless as doves”(Matthew 10:16).
If we are wise we will take initiative. We will be involved. We will often be zealous.