What does Ehud's approach teach about God's use of unexpected leaders? Ehud Steps Forward “Ehud approached him while he was sitting alone in the cool upper chamber. And Ehud said, ‘I have a message from God for you.’ And the king rose from his seat.” (Judges 3:20) An Unexpected Man for a Critical Hour • Left-handed in a right-handed world, Ehud’s very physicality disarmed suspicion (Judges 3:15). • From Benjamin—ironically meaning “son of the right hand”—yet God chose the seeming contradiction. • No public acclaim, no military title, yet divinely appointed to free Israel after eighteen years of oppression. God’s Pattern: Turning Surprise into Strength • Moses stammered, yet spoke before Pharaoh (Exodus 4:10-12). • Gideon hid in a winepress, yet led an army (Judges 6:11-16). • David was the overlooked shepherd, yet became king (1 Samuel 16:7-13). • “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise…” (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). Distinctive Marks of Ehud’s Approach • Single-minded obedience: he “approached” Eglon after delivering tribute—no wavering. • Courage under cover: carried the double-edged dagger hidden on the right thigh; security would check the left side. • Creative strategy: used a private audience, isolating the oppressor from his guards. • Clear divine authority: “I have a message from God for you.” The mission was framed as God’s word, not personal vendetta. What Ehud Teaches about God’s Use of Unexpected Leaders • Availability outweighs profile—God looks for willing hearts, not impressive résumés (1 Samuel 16:7). • Unique traits, even perceived limitations, become tailor-made tools in God’s hand. • Deliverance often arrives through methods human wisdom overlooks. • Divine purpose is unstoppable; worldly power rises from its seat only to fall before God’s plan. Echoes of the Principle • Deborah, another judge, defied cultural norms (Judges 4-5). • Esther, a young exile, altered imperial decrees (Esther 4:14). • The disciples—ordinary fishermen—turned the world upside down (Acts 4:13). God consistently elevates the humble and surprises the powerful. Living the Lesson Today • Celebrate gifts that seem unconventional; they might be exactly what a situation requires. • Step into assignments God places before you, trusting His strength more than your credentials. • View obstacles as settings for His creativity rather than signals to retreat. • Remember 2 Corinthians 12:9—His power is perfected in weakness; therefore weakness is never disqualifying when surrendered to Him. |
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