Today, we explore the fascinating story of Ehud, a relatively unknown man in the Bible, and how his perceived disability became a key part of God's plan for Israel. This narrative highlights a profound truth: God often chooses people we would never expect and uses them in ways we could never imagine.

The Struggle with Sin

Israel has a long history of struggling with sin, especially in the realm of sexual immorality. At the time of Ehud, Israel was once again worshipping Baal, a deity associated with sexual immorality. This issue is not confined to ancient history; even today, sexual sin remains a significant challenge for many Christians, both on a personal and political level. As someone who has counseled numerous individuals, I have seen firsthand how pervasive and damaging these struggles can be.

The first three works of the flesh mentioned in the Bible deal with sexuality, emphasizing the need for Christians to fortify their minds against such temptations. The battlefield is not the government or evil spirits; it is our minds. When we return from our mission in India, we will start a sermon series on the "Battlefield of the Mind" and how to protect it. This series will focus on understanding that the greatest battles we face are internal, not external.

The Consequences of Sin

Israel's sin led to the loss of their first miraculous victory. Eglon's military base was in Jericho, the very place where Israel first experienced God's miraculous power. This serves as a stark warning: overindulging in sin can cause us to lose our initial victories and turn our places of freedom into strongholds for the enemy.

God allowed Israel's enemies to grow stronger as a consequence of their sins. Eglon, a man epitomizing fleshly desires and overindulgence, was strengthened by God to oppress Israel because they had done what was evil in His sight. It took Israel 18 years of oppression before they cried out to the Lord. This period was long enough for a new generation to reach adulthood, illustrating the long-term impact of sin and disobedience.

God's Response to Repentance

Just as God raises sinful people to bring about judgment, He also raises godly individuals to usher in peace and prosperity after repentance. Ehud was one such individual. His story is a powerful reminder that God uses unlikely heroes to fulfill His purposes.

Ehud, a Benjamite, had a right-hand disability. The literal definition of a left-handed man in Judges 3:15 is a man with a handicap in his right hand. This detail is crucial because it highlights how God uses our perceived weaknesses to achieve His plans. Ehud's disability allowed him to carry a hidden knife into King Eglon's chambers, a feat that would have been impossible if he had been seen as a typical warrior.

The Unexpected Hero

Ehud approached the king alone, armed with his disability, a knife, and a calling from God. His perceived weakness made him seem harmless to Eglon, which ultimately led to the king's downfall. This narrative demonstrates that the very things we often see as limitations are what God uses to enact His plans. By doing so, He ensures that the glory belongs to Him.

Ehud's victory over Eglon gave the Israelites the courage to rise up against their captors. This story teaches us not to despise those who may seem unable to follow us during difficult times. God may be using them strategically for future victories.

Our Calling

I believe God has raised us up as a church to lead our communities out of sin and judgment and into a time of peace and prosperity under His guidance. Each of us has a unique calling to reach those around us and to build up Christ's church. The very things Satan uses to make us feel inadequate are the things God will use to rescue others from the grips of sin.

Let us embrace our weaknesses and trust that God has a purpose for them. By doing so, we ensure that He gets the glory and we become part of His grand plan to bring redemption and peace to the world.

As we reflect on Ehud's story, let us be encouraged that no matter our limitations, God can and will use us for His glory. Our weaknesses are not hindrances; they are opportunities for God to show His strength through us.