“Ehud’s Deliverance: From Fleshly Desires to God’s Glory”
SERMON Title: Ehud’s Deliverance: From Fleshly Desires to God’s Glory
SCRIPTURE: Judges 3:12-30 ESV
Introduction
Have I ever read a passage in the Bible and wondered why it's included? Some stories are inspiring, others comforting, but some, like today's story, are shocking. Judges 3:12-30 presents a vivid, graphic account, and at first glance, the details seem unnecessary. However, when I look deeper, I realize they serve a greater purpose. This story isn't just about the past; it has a direct message for me today.
I. Eglon the King of Moab
The Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and as a result, He strengthened Eglon, the king of Moab, against them (Judges 3:12). Eglon was a greedy and oppressive ruler. He attacked Israel, seized the city of Palms (Jericho), and demanded tributes (Judges 3:13).
Eglon was also extremely fat (Judges 3:17). His excessive weight was not just a physical description but a metaphor for his uncontrolled appetite and indulgence. His obesity mirrored his spiritual state—he was bloated with pride and lacked self-control. He lived solely to satisfy his fleshly desires, growing more corrupt and tyrannical as he amassed wealth and power at the expense of others. His rule exemplified how unchecked sin leads to oppression, not just of the self but of those around us.
Application: Just as Israel fell into Eglon's hands because they turned from God, I must be careful not to fall into the hands of my sinful flesh. When I live to satisfy my own desires—whether through greed, materialism, or indulgence—I end up paying tribute to my sinful nature. Sin does not remain stagnant; it grows, demanding more and more until I am enslaved by it.
Romans 8:13 warns, "For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." I must set my eyes on God, so I don’t become enslaved to sin. I need to ask myself: What desires am I feeding? Do I indulge in things that bring temporary pleasure but lead me away from God? If so, I must seek His strength to break free.
II. Ehud, the Second Judge of Israel
After 18 years of oppression, Israel cried out to God, and He raised up Ehud as their deliverer (Judges 3:15). Ehud was described as a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin. In ancient times, being left-handed was seen as a defect. Society viewed him as weak, yet God chose him to rescue Israel. His left-handedness gave him a unique advantage—people did not expect him to be a threat, allowing him to carry out God’s plan in an unexpected way.
This aligns with God’s consistent pattern of using the weak and unlikely:
Moses, a stutterer, led Israel out of Egypt.
David, a shepherd boy, defeated Goliath and became king.
Paul, once a persecutor, became one of the greatest apostles.
Application: God’s power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). No matter how the world perceives me—whether I feel unqualified, different, or weak—God can use me. What matters is my willingness to be used for His purpose. Am I trusting that God can use me, despite my shortcomings? Am I willing to step forward in faith even when I feel inadequate? When I embrace my weaknesses and surrender them to God, He turns them into strengths for His glory.
III. Ehud’s Victory Over Eglon
Ehud crafted a double-edged sword, hid it on his right thigh, and approached Eglon, pretending to bring tribute (Judges 3:16-18). Once alone with the king, he declared, "I have a message from God for you," and plunged the sword into Eglon’s belly (Judges 3:20-21). The sword went in so deep that the fat closed over it, and Eglon’s dung came out (Judges 3:22).
This gruesome detail holds significance:
The Weapon: Ehud’s double-edged sword represents the Word of God. Revelation 1:16 describes Jesus with "a sharp, double-edged sword coming out of his mouth," symbolizing the power of God's Word. Hebrews 4:12 states, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword... it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Just as Ehud used his sword to strike down the oppressor, I must use God's Word to fight against sin in my life.
The Dung: Eglon’s shameful death symbolizes the filth accumulated in a life lived for the flesh. If I live only for indulgence and sin, I am merely piling up dung for myself. If I do not repent, God’s Word will ultimately expose and judge me. Sin is not only destructive but also humiliating; it leads to disgrace and spiritual decay.
The Word of God is my greatest weapon when wielded in faith, but if I ignore it and continue in sin, it will become the instrument of my judgment. Do I spend time immersing myself in God’s Word, allowing it to transform my life, or am I neglecting it?
IV. Ehud vs. Eglon—Who Am I?
Ehud was a weak man raised by God to deliver Israel. Eglon was a powerful king who lived for his flesh and died in shame. Who do I resemble?
I may want to see myself as Ehud, but in reality, I often chase after success, recognition, and comfort—just like Eglon. Even when my actions appear good, if my motives are rooted in self-glory, they amount to nothing in God’s eyes.
If I find that my life has been centered on satisfying my earthly desires, I must repent. I must cry out to God, knowing that He is merciful and will deliver me. My goal should not be temporary success but eternal significance through Christ.
V. Jesus: The Greater Ehud
Ehud’s deliverance of Israel foreshadowed Jesus, our ultimate deliverer:
An Unexpected Savior: Just as Ehud was an unlikely hero, Jesus was not the deliverer people expected. Isaiah 53:3 describes Him as "despised and rejected by men." People expected a warrior king, but He came as a suffering servant.
Piercing the Enemy: Ehud’s sword defeated Eglon; Jesus was pierced for my sins. Psalm 22:16 says, "They have pierced my hands and feet." His crucifixion disarmed evil (Colossians 2:15), bringing victory over sin and death.
True Freedom: Ehud’s victory brought temporary peace; Jesus' victory brings eternal peace. John 8:36 declares, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." Only through Christ can I find true liberation.
The Ultimate Triumph: While Ehud escaped after his mission, Jesus conquered death. His resurrection ensures my victory over sin (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). His triumph is permanent, offering eternal hope.
Conclusion
Who am I striving to be? Without Christ, I am like Eglon—living for myself and destined for shame. But through Jesus, the greater Ehud, I am called to live for God’s glory. His victory is my victory, and His calling is my calling.
I must turn away from my own desires and surrender to Christ. Through Him, I find true freedom, purpose, and eternal peace. I must not just admire Ehud’s courage but embody it by walking in faith, relying on God's strength, and trusting in the ultimate victory of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Reflection and Response
As we move into a time of reflection and response, let’s pause and examine our hearts before God, considering the message we’ve just heard.
In what ways have I been living like Eglon, prioritizing my own comfort, success, and recognition over honoring God?
Are there areas of my life where I’ve been pursuing my own desires, rather than seeking God’s will and glory?
Have I been accumulating things — whether material or accolades — out of self-satisfaction rather than for God’s kingdom?
In what areas do I need to repent and turn back to God, asking for His mercy and forgiveness?
Do I truly believe that Jesus, the greater Ehud, has delivered me from sin? How does His victory shape the way I live today?
How might God be calling me to live more for His glory, to surrender my life to Jesus and walk in His peace and purpose?
Let these questions guide you into a time of honest reflection and heartfelt response. Whether in repentance, thanksgiving, or surrender, may this be a time of renewing our commitment to live for Christ, our true deliverer.