I want to share an aspect of my life that not many people know about – I am left-handed. In a world where typing knows no hand, this might seem like a trivial detail. However, being left-handed in certain cultures, like in Kerala, India can pose challenges due to long-standing taboos associated with activities such as writing or eating with the left hand.
Have you ever wondered about God’s perspective on our handedness? I certainly did, and it’s fascinating to discover that the Bible has a left-handed hero whose story is often overlooked.
Let’s dive into Judges 3:12-25:
12 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. 13 Eglon enlisted the Ammonites and Amalekites as allies, and then he went out and defeated Israel, taking possession of Jericho, the city of palms. 14 And the Israelites served Eglon of Moab for eighteen years.
15 But when the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help, the Lord again raised up a rescuer to save them. His name was Ehud son of Gera, a left-handed man of the tribe of Benjamin. The Israelites sent Ehud to deliver their tribute money to King Eglon of Moab. 16 So Ehud made a double-edged dagger that was about a foot long, and he strapped it to his right thigh, keeping it hidden under his clothing. 17 He brought the tribute money to Eglon, who was very fat.
18 After delivering the payment, Ehud started home with those who had helped carry the tribute. 19 But when Ehud reached the stone idols near Gilgal, he turned back. He came to Eglon and said, “I have a secret message for you.”
So the king commanded his servants, “Be quiet!” and he sent them all out of the room. 20 Ehud walked over to Eglon, who was sitting alone in a cool upstairs room. And Ehud said, “I have a message from God for you!” As King Eglon rose from his seat, 21 Ehud reached with his left hand, pulled out the dagger strapped to his right thigh, and plunged it into the king’s belly. 22 The dagger went so deep that the handle disappeared beneath the king’s fat. So Ehud did not pull out the dagger, and the king’s bowels emptied. 23 Then Ehud closed and locked the doors of the room and escaped down the lavatory.
24 After Ehud was gone, the king’s servants returned and found the doors to the upstairs room locked. They thought he might be using the lavatory in the room, 25 so they waited. But when the king didn’t come out after a long delay, they became concerned and got a key. And when they opened the doors, they found their master dead on the floor.
Ehud’s left-handedness became a powerful instrument in God’s plan, freeing Israel from the oppressive rule of Eglon. This often-overlooked story serves as a reminder that God can use unconventional means and unique qualities to bring about His deliverance. Even in the face of challenges, God can turn our perceived weaknesses into instruments of His divine purpose.
So, what we can learn from Ehud’s story? It might sound odd at first, like a cautionary tale about bathroom safety. But beyond the quirkiness, there are some down-to-earth lessons we can pick up.
Firstly, Ehud’s left-handedness is a reminder that God can use what makes us different to do extraordinary things. Even though being left-handed was seen as unusual in his time, it turned out to be a secret weapon. The guards didn’t check the side where he hid his sword because it wasn’t what they expected. It’s a bit like a cool superpower that Ehud had, showing us that our unique traits can be a strength.
Next up, we see that making wrong choices, like the Israelites dabbling in foreign worship, can lead to not-so-great consequences. Ehud’s people ended up under Moabite rule. But here’s the bright side – God heard their cries, and He sent Ehud, the left-handed hero, to save the day.
Lastly, Eglon, the Moabite king, teaches us about the dangers of being too proud. He let his guard down, allowing a stranger in, and it didn’t end well for him. It’s a reminder to stay humble and be smart about who we trust.
So, there you have it – lessons from Ehud’s story. Embrace what makes you special, think twice about the choices you make, and never underestimate the power of humility. Who knew a left-handed judge could teach us so much about life?
| Consider this Here are three To-Do’s from Ehud’s Left-Handed Triumph: 1. Celebrate Uniqueness: Take a moment to reflect on what makes you uniquely you. Just as Ehud’s left-handedness turned out to be his secret strength, acknowledge and celebrate your own distinctive qualities. Embrace the idea that what sets you apart might be the very thing that contributes to your success. 2. Consider the Consequences of Choices: Ehud’s story highlights the repercussions of the Israelites’ choices, emphasizing the importance of making wise decisions. Reflect on your own choices and actions, recognizing that they can lead to either positive or negative outcomes. Evaluate if there are areas in your life where better decisions could lead to more favourable results. 3. Guard Against Pride and Stay Humble: Eglon’s downfall serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of pride and overconfidence. Take this as a cue to stay humble and exercise discernment in your interactions. |
