3.2. GOD'S MAN EHUD (Judges 3:12-30)

Sin once again brings about servitude, this time to the king of Moab (Judges 3:12 ). Moab and the Ammonites were descendants of Lot's daughters (Deuteronomy 2:9,19 ). Amalekites were descendants of Esau (Genesis 36:12, 16 ). Bitter enemies arose from relatives of Abraham: a nephew and a son.

Matthew 10:36 "And a man's foes shall be they of his own household." (KJV)

The teaching of Jesus removes the surprise of opposition to believers, from those within the family (Matthew 10:34-37 ). The gospel divides families. Jesus did not intend to cause conflict, but the natural reaction of those who do not believe is to oppose all who live out the christian life. We can believe for the salvation of all our family. We have examples to encourage us (Acts 11:14; 16:15; 16:34 ).

Judges 3:15 "But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded ..." (KJV)

Ehud was chosen to carry Israel's annual tax money to the king of Moab (Judges 3:15 ). He recognized a humiliating task as an opportunity to bring about deliverance. Don't miss your opportunities to serve and witness. By doing this, like Ehud, we will find ourselves working in partnership with God "For we are labourers together with God"(1 Corinthians 3:9 KJV), "God's fellow workers;" (1 Corinthians 3:9 NKJV).

Having his dagger on the right side, being left-handed, made it less obvious to the guards, but very handy for him. Our weaknesses and abnormalities can be turned to strengths by the Spirit's anointing.

2 Corinthians 2:10 "To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;" (KJV)

Dependence on the Lord's power makes us effective for Him, giving Him the glory.

He led a successful revolt against Moabite domination (Judges 3:27-30 ). Israel enjoyed 80 years of peace through anointed leadership. God uses the diligent to rule (Proverbs 12:24 ). God promotes men to leadership (Psalm 75:6-7 ). God uses wise counsel to keep His people from falling:

Proverbs 11:14 "Where no counsel is, the people fall: ..." (KJV)

"Counsel Lit, steering, wise direction on the course of life." Ryrie

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. How long did it take Israel to recognise the cause of their bondage, and cry to the Lord? (Judges 3:14-15 ).
2. How long did the Lord wait before raising up a deliverer? (Judges 3:15 ).
3. What does Ehud teach you about seizing your opportunity for God? (Judges 3:15-16 ).
4. How long did Israel enjoy peace through Ehud's leadership, and what, in your opinion, are the marks of successful leadership? (Judges 3:30 ).