What role does faith play in following God's appointed leaders, as seen here? Scripture Focus “Follow me,” he ordered, “for the LORD has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hands.” So they followed him down and took control of the fords of the Jordan leading to Moab, and they allowed no one to cross over. (Judges 3:28) Setting the Scene • Israel has been oppressed by Moab for eighteen years (Judges 3:14). • God raises up Ehud, an unlikely left-handed deliverer (Judges 3:15). • After striking down King Eglon, Ehud calls the nation to action with a faith-fuelled declaration: “the LORD has delivered.” Faith Sees the Invisible Hand Behind the Visible Leader • The people hear Ehud, but they trust the God who sent him. • Similar moments: • Exodus 14:13-16—Israel follows Moses toward the Red Sea because “the LORD will fight for you.” • 1 Samuel 17:37—Saul permits David to face Goliath when David affirms, “The LORD who delivered me…” • Following God’s appointed leaders requires confidence that God is directing, not mere human charisma (Romans 13:1; Hebrews 13:7). Faith Responds Immediately and Obediently • “So they followed him down”—no committee, no delay. • Bold, prompt obedience evidences genuine trust (James 2:17, 22). • Gideon’s 300 illustrate the same principle: fewer numbers but instant obedience bring victory (Judges 7:7, 15-22). Faith Ventures Into Risk Because God Has Spoken • Capturing the fords of the Jordan puts Israel in strategic danger, yet faith makes them willing. • Joshua 3:13—priests step into flood-stage Jordan while the water is still flowing; the river parts after their step of faith. • Faith moves from hearing to stepping, even when the outcome is unseen (2 Corinthians 5:7). Faith Unites God’s People Around the Mission • “They allowed no one to cross over” —whole community acts as one, sealing Moab’s defeat. • Ecclesiastes 4:12—“a cord of three strands is not quickly broken”; faith binds the strands. • Acts 4:32—the early church is “one in heart and mind,” advancing the gospel in unified faith. Faith Celebrates the Promised Victory Before It Is Visible • Ehud speaks in past tense—“has delivered”—while the battle is just beginning. • Hebrews 11:1—faith is the assurance of things hoped for. • Jehoshaphat’s choir sings praise before the enemy is routed (2 Chronicles 20:17-22). New-Covenant Echoes • Hebrews 11:33-34—“who through faith conquered kingdoms… became mighty in battle.” • 1 Corinthians 11:1—“Follow my example, as I follow Christ.” Faith ultimately looks beyond any human leader to the perfect Captain of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10). Living It Out Today • Test every leader by Scripture, then respond with wholehearted trust when God’s Word and God’s ways align (Acts 17:11). • Move quickly from conviction to action; delayed obedience weakens faith. • Stand shoulder to shoulder with fellow believers; faith flourishes in community, not isolation. • Speak of God’s promises as settled realities; praise anchors courage before the victory is seen. |
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