Head Scratcher — Ehud - Monday
Today’s Verse
Judges 3:12-15a
Once again the Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight, and the Lord gave King Eglon of Moab control over Israel because of their evil. Eglon enlisted the Ammonites and Amalekites as allies, and then he went out and defeated Israel, taking possession of Jericho, the city of palms. And the Israelites served Eglon of Moab for eighteen years. But when the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help, the Lord again raised up a rescuer to save them. (NLT)
This week, we’ll look at the brief yet savage story of Ehud.
See, Israel found themselves enslaved by foreign nations again, and again, and again. It always began with Israel doing what they knew was evil, choosing to live their lives without God as their leader and King, and God saying, “Alright then. If you don’t want me as your king, have this guy as your king.” In this passage, Israel became enslaved to a king named Eglon, who ruled over the nation of Moab. After 18 years of enslavement, Israel realized that God is a much better king than Moab, and so they cried out for help. God then sent someone (a “judge”) to deliver Israel from their slavery.
I think we tend to read these Bible stories and get frustrated with the Israelites. I mean, how do they keep doing evil in the eyes of the Lord again and again, only to find themselves enslaved again and again, only to need someone appointed by God to rescue them again and again?
It’s frustrating and exhausting. But we can certainly relate to it too. I mean…
How often do we do what we know is wrong, time and time again? How often do we choose the things that hurt us instead of God, who helps us and heals us? How often do we choose slavery to sin over freedom in Jesus? What is it for you? Is it jealousy, lust, hatred, self-righteousness, comparison, gossip, lying?
Me too.
And while we may relate to this story, it is very important to note that this story is not about us. It is about God. And we learn that God will answer the cries for help that come from His people, no matter what.
Even though the Israelites got themselves into this mess…
Even though the Israelites had done this time and time again…
Even though the Israelites chose slavery for eighteen years...
God helped when they finally cried out to Him.
God is a patient and gracious King, whom we can always rely on to save us no matter what.
REFLECTION
Take a moment to think about the ways God has been patient and gracious towards you. Thank God for never giving up on you, but for constantly rescuing you from the traps you fall into. Cry out to God and ask Him to help you where you need it today.