God's Left Handed Ways Series

In 1960, Bennett Cerf, founder of Random House publishers, bet Theodore Giesel $50 that he would not be able to write an entertaining children’s book using only 50 different words. Theodore Giesel, better known as Dr. Seuss, took the bet and won, with his little book, Green Eggs and Ham. Since publication, it has sold more than 200 million copies, making it the most popular of Seuss’s works and one of the best-selling children’s books in history.

Many authors would complain about writing a book with only 50 words. But Dr. Seuss took the tools he had and made a work of art instead. (James Clear, “The Weird Strategy Dr. Seuss Used to Create His Greatest Work,” JamesClear.com, 11-25-13; www. PreachingToday.com)

Many people live with constraints. Perhaps it’s a lack of education, a lack of resources, a painful past, or a physical disability. They’re at a disadvantage compared to others, but God can turn that disadvantage into an advantage. God can use that constraint to accomplish His perfect plan. If you have your Bibles, I invite you to turn with me to Judges 3, Judges 3, where you can see how God can use your constraint.

Judges 3:12-14 And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done what was evil in the sight of the LORD. He gathered to himself the Ammonites and the Amalekites, and went and defeated Israel. And they took possession of the city of palms. And the people of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years. (ESV)

Israel is at it again, doing evil in the sight of the Lord, so the Lord strengthens an unexpected foe. God empowers a surprising adversary to discipline Israel.

Israel had left Moab behind decades before when they first entered the land. Moab was on the east side of the Jordan River. Israel was on the west side, having left Moab “in great dread” of them according to Numbers 22 (Numbers 22:3). Israel did not expect to have to deal with the Moabites anymore. But here they come, occupying the city of Israel’s first victory in the Promised Land, the city of palms, otherwise known as Jericho. It was humiliating as well as unexpected, but will God use it to get Israel’s attention. God strengthens an unexpected foe.

Then Israel cries out to the Lord, and God raises up an unexpected deliverer. He elevates a surprising savior.

Judges 3:15 Then the people of Israel cried out to the LORD, and the LORD raised up for them a deliverer, Ehud, the son of Gera, the Benjaminite, a left-handed man. The people of Israel sent tribute by him to Eglon the king of Moab. (ESV)

Ehud was from a small and insignificant tribe at the time, the tribe of Benjamin, and He was left-handed – lit., He was “bound in the right hand.” i.e., He couldn’t use it. He was disabled. Even so, this is the man God will use to deliver Israel.

As such, he reflects Jesus, also an unexpected Savior! His own people rejected Him, because He didn’t fit the mold. He didn’t come from the right family. He didn’t do what a Savior is supposed to do, and He didn’t look like a Savior is supposed to look.

Isaiah, looking 700 years ahead, said of Jesus, the Savior of the world, “He had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not” (Isaiah 53:2-3).

Jesus is not the Savior people expected just like Ehud. 1st, God strengthens an unexpected foe to discipline His people. 2nd, He raises up an unexpected deliverer when they cry out to Him.

Then God uses an unexpected method to save them. The Lord employs a surprising scheme to give them the victory.

Judges 3:16 And Ehud made for himself a sword with two edges, a cubit in length, and he bound it on his right thigh under his clothes. (ESV)

Most warriors strap their sword to the left thigh, so they can draw it with their right hand. Ehud straps his sword to the right thigh, so he can draw it with his left hand – very unusual.

Judges 3:17-18 And he presented the tribute to Eglon king of Moab. Now Eglon was a very fat man. And when Ehud had finished presenting the tribute, he sent away the people who carried the tribute. (ESV)

The tribute probably included livestock and produce, which required several people to carry.

Judges 3:19 But he himself turned back at the idols near Gilgal and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” And he commanded, “Silence.” And all his attendants went out from his presence. (ESV)