Judges 3:12-31
Our reading in Judges 3:12-31 turns to Ehud today. Ehud wasn't some powerful business man or a mighty warrior. From what we see, he was pretty much an average guy and may even have been physically disabled in his right hand. Even so, Ehud used who he was and how God had wired him to accomplish what God called him to do.
So what does Ehud's story tell us about our service for the Lord? Tami W.
I have an average lefty [name removed] in my family, but that doesn't make him disabled. His disability is rejecting God's mercy and offer of salvation. Being left handed in Ehuds situation came in handy as he was able to grab his sword at the right(correct)angle. Also lefties seem to be stronger physically as well as quick thinkers and analytical minded. Ehud took the opportunity of a quick plan of action. Unlike my lefty Ehud was an eager soldier on The Lord's side who led his family, God's people to victory.
The Lord raised up Ehud as the deliverer as a result of the people crying out. And Ehud didn't balk at the task the Lord had him do. If our hearts are hungry and yearn for the Lord, He'll "raise up" the needed help! He uses common people to accomplish uncommon tasks it seems!
Let me clarify what I said in my blog. In verse 15 when we're told that Ehud was "a left-handed man" the literal translation of the Hebrew there means that Ehud was "hindered in the right hand." Thus, my comment about possibly being disabled in his right hand. I wasn't trying to imply anything about being left-handed at all. I know a bunch of lefties and, like you, I love them all. Sorry for the confusion. Tami W.
This story tells me that we all count in God's army. I believe that we are all challenged in one way or another in our lives - some happen to be more visible than others. No one is perfect, after all. That, however, is not a problem for God at all. He uses the willing hearted people who love and trust Him.
I was thrilled to hear the explanation of Ehud being left-handed. I was just reading the lesson from BTTB, and Dr. Kroll explained the meaning - "hindered in his right hand." I had never heard that before. I have some physical "hinderances" myself. I'm glad God looks at our hearts and not our bodies. May God give me a more willing heart to serve Him. No excuses.
Ehud was a willing servant of God. He went and did exactly what God wanted him too. The Isrealites have been blessed by redemption again through Ehud when they cried out. God's mercies are everlasting. What a great God we serve.
This Scripture rading tells me that God chooses people He knows will do what He requests of us. we do not have to "learned". He looks at our heart. Remember how Jonah tried to get out of going to Nineveh to warn the people? Jonah made a mistake by not obeying God but God wanted Jonah to go and no one else. There is no place we can hide from God. So when He chooses us we should be thankful and praise His name.