Compare Ehud's mission with other biblical figures who acted boldly for God. Ehud’s clandestine courage (Judges 3:20) – “Ehud came to him… Ehud said, ‘I have a message from God for you.’” – Left-handed judge slips a dagger past a search, confronts Eglon alone, and frees Israel. – Boldness wrapped in quiet strategy: faith expresses itself in decisive, risky action. Moses: confronting a tyrant (Exodus 5:1) – “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: ‘Let My people go.’” – Stands before Pharaoh with nothing but God’s word and a staff. – Public, repeated confrontations display obedience despite hard-hearted opposition. Joshua: faith that shouts (Joshua 6:16) – “Shout, for the LORD has given you the city!” – Leads Israel in an unorthodox march; walls fall when obedience meets God’s promise. David: courage before a giant (1 Samuel 17:45) – “You come against me with sword… but I come against you in the name of the LORD.” – A shepherd boy trusts covenant authority, runs toward the battle line, slays Goliath. Elijah: calling down fire (1 Kings 18:37) – “Answer me, LORD… so these people may know that You, O LORD, are God.” – Lone prophet challenges 450 false priests; fire vindicates truth on Mount Carmel. Esther: risking everything (Esther 4:16) – “If I perish, I perish.” – Enters the Persian throne room unbidden, placing her life between her people and genocide. Daniel: windows wide open (Daniel 6:10) – “He knelt and prayed three times a day, just as he had done before.” – Keeps prayer routine though it means lion’s-den justice; God shuts the lions’ mouths. Peter and John: unshakable testimony (Acts 4:20) – “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” – Fresh from Pentecost, they defy orders to be silent, choosing obedience over safety. Paul: unstoppable drive (Acts 20:24) – “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race.” – Heads toward Jerusalem knowing chains await, yet values gospel completion above life. Common threads in their missions • God initiates: each servant acts on a clear word or calling. • Personal risk: death, imprisonment, or humiliation stood before every one of them. • Unique methods: dagger, staff, trumpet blast, sling, prayer, royal petition, open preaching. • Deliverance and witness: God’s power is displayed, His people preserved, His name exalted. Distinct approaches, same God • Quiet infiltration (Ehud, Esther) vs. public confrontation (Moses, Elijah). • Single-moment strikes (Ehud, David) vs. prolonged obedience (Daniel, Paul). • Military objectives (Joshua) vs. spiritual proclamation (Peter and John). Yet all rely on the covenant-keeping Lord who superintends every detail. Living out bold faith today • Seek a clear “message from God” in Scripture before acting. • Expect obedience to involve risk; courage is measured by trust, not bravado. • Embrace the method God assigns—loud or quiet, sudden or sustained. • Remember the purpose: deliverance for others and glory for God remain the twin aims. |
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