What can we learn about obedience from Ehud's actions in Judges 3:23? Setting the Scene - Israel was in bondage because “they again did evil in the sight of the LORD” (Judges 3:12). - God literally raised up Ehud as “a deliverer” (v. 15). - After presenting tribute to King Eglon, Ehud returned alone, declaring, “I have a message from God for you” (v. 20), and carried out the LORD’s mission. The Verse at a Glance Judges 3:23: “Then Ehud went out to the porch, closing and locking the doors of the upper room behind him.” Key Observations on Ehud’s Obedience - Immediate follow-through: Ehud doesn’t linger; he exits at once, showing obedience that is prompt, not postponed. - Complete action: By closing and locking the doors, he finishes what God started through him, ensuring the task is fully carried out. - Practical wisdom: Obedience includes using sanctified strategy—securing the room buys Israel time to prepare for freedom. - Quiet confidence: Ehud acts without fanfare, trusting God’s plan more than public recognition. - Faith in the literal promise: Ehud believes God’s earlier declaration that He would “give Eglon into your hand” (v. 28), and he aligns every step with that certainty. Lessons for Our Walk Today • Obedience is immediate—delayed compliance is disobedience in disguise (Psalm 119:60). • Obedience finishes the job—half-done assignments are disobedient ones (John 17:4). • Obedience employs God-given wisdom—thinking ahead is not lack of faith but expression of it (Proverbs 3:5–6). • Obedience often happens in secret—God sees the porch exit even when the crowd does not (Matthew 6:4). • Obedience flows from faith—when we believe God’s Word literally, decisive action becomes natural (Hebrews 11:33–34). Supporting Scriptures - 1 Samuel 15:22: “To obey is better than sacrifice.” - John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” - James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” - Hebrews 10:36: “You need perseverance, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive the promise.” Putting It Into Practice 1. Identify one clear directive from Scripture you’ve postponed. Act on it today. 2. Close and lock your “doors”—remove escape routes that tempt you away from obedience. 3. Trust that the God who gave the command will secure the outcome, just as He did for Ehud. |
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