Read Judges 3:12-27

If you have ever read the book of Judges, Kings or Chronicles, there is one phrase you became familiar with: “The Sons of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord”…over and over and over again. 

Here we are in Judges 3 where we are introduced to Ehud; but, before we get to Ehud, in chapter 3 alone, we see that phrase twice.

Time and time again the people of Israel turned against the Lord and what was best and chose their own paths, wants and desires, ending up in slavery. Yet, the Lord repeatedly delivered them. In this particular chapter, we meet Ehud.

We don’t learn much about who Ehud is, but, if the Lord “raised him up”, we have to conclude that He was a God-fearing, God-listening man. He followed God’s instructions in a time of need for His people and, through Ehud, the Lord delivered His people from underneath Moab. 

As I read this chapter, the biggest reminder that sticks out is how God brings forth deliverance. Throughout history and the Word of God, we see deliverance occur. The choices we make cause separation from God or His best and then we cry out to Him. And because of His love for us, He delivers us.

Over and over and over again. 

How many times in our own lives has God delivered us? For me, I can say countless occasions. I specifically think back to the time in my life when I did evil in the sight of the Lord, saw zero hope and chose to take my own life. During the attempt, God intervened and I was delivered out of the darkness of my mind and heart. Everything that I suffered with was like Eglon, king of Moab, and Jesus was like Ehud. And just like Ehud came and quite literally destroyed Eglon, Jesus destroyed my way of thinking and feeling and caused a new light to appear, a new hope and a new peace.

I was delivered. 

If you get anything from reading Judges 3 other than a graphic death scene, get this;

Jesus will fight for you, He cares for you and He will and has crushed the head of evil. 

This deliverance offered is free for us, but the only way to get there is through Jesus.

Just like the only hope for the sons of Israel was Ehud. 

I don’t know what you may be going through, I don’t know what decisions or choices you are faced with, what heartache may haunt you or what emotions fill your mind, but what I do know is that, because Jesus will fight for you, because of His love for you, He will deliver you and has delivered you. All you have to do is choose to go before Him, cry out and turn the other way with Him by your side. 

Kelly Lawson