Introduction

Good morning, church family! Today we're going to be diving into a story from the book of Judges, featuring a man named Ehud. Now, Ehud's story is not your typical Sunday school tale. It's gritty, it's raw, and it's real. It's a story of disobedience, consequence, and ultimately, restoration through courageous action.

C.S. Lewis once said, “Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.” This quote will serve as our guide as we explore how Ehud exemplified courage in the face of adversity, acting as a willing deliverer for his people.

A Willing Deliverer

Ehud's story begins with the Israelites once again falling into disobedience, and as a result, they find themselves under the oppressive rule of Eglon, the king of Moab. This cycle of disobedience and consequence is a recurring theme throughout the book of Judges, and it serves as a stark reminder of the cost of straying from God's commands.

Ehud's left-handedness is a significant detail: In the culture of the time, being left-handed was often seen as a disadvantage or even a defect. However, God uses Ehud's perceived weakness as a strength. This is a powerful reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of their perceived limitations or shortcomings, to accomplish His purposes.

Ehud is chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from their oppression: He willingly accepts this task, despite the immense danger it poses. He must face Eglon, a powerful and ruthless king, and he must do so alone. This is a daunting task, but Ehud does not hesitate. He steps forward with courage and determination, ready to do whatever it takes to free his people.

A testament to his faith in God: He trusts that God will guide him and give him the strength he needs to succeed. This is a crucial lesson for us today. When God calls us to a task, no matter how daunting it may seem, we must trust in His guidance and provision. We must be willing to step out in faith, knowing that God will never call us to a task without equipping us to complete it.

The importance of obedience: The Israelites found themselves under Eglon's rule because they had strayed from God's commands. However, Ehud's obedience leads to their deliverance. This serves as a stark reminder of the blessings that come with obedience. When we obey God's commands, we align ourselves with His will, and this leads to blessing and victory.

Ehud's courage in the face of adversity: He faces a powerful enemy, and he does so alone. However, he does not let fear hold him back. Instead, he steps forward with courage, trusting in God's strength and guidance. This is a powerful lesson for us today. We all face challenges and adversity in our lives, but we must not let fear hold us back. Instead, we must step forward with courage, trusting in God's strength and guidance.

The importance of willingness, obedience, and courage: He was willing to serve as a deliverer, obedient to God's call, and courageous in the face of adversity. These are qualities that we should strive to emulate in our own lives.

The Consequences of Disobedience

The Israelites had once again turned away from God, doing evil in His sight ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO