Judges 3:9. “And when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother.”
DELIVERERS. They are not all the same, these men raised up by God – Each one is different and each one is committed to the Lord. One had a strong background; he had learned the principle of trust. Othniel had proven ability – through him a generation was blessed. He demonstrated courage; he was truly a man of faith – He had experienced God using him to bring about the peace.
Ehud was a different sort; he was more of a diplomat. He planned ahead, used a two-edged knife against the king so fat. Even when none came to help; he faced the problem alone – And delivered Israel from Eglon, right in the king’s own home. We might have limitations wondering is there something we can do –
When trust is in the Lord alone, God is able to use me and you.
Shamgar was a farm laborer, he wasn’t one of the greatest men. He wasn’t powerful and clever; he was just willing that God use him – The enemy was religious, but had never come to know the Lord. They had no Passover, no deliverance – they had no living Word. Shamgar used his ox-goad, that was really all he needed – He was one man under God’s power, and by God Shamgar succeeded.
Those that God can use, are not all just the same- For leading and guiding God’s people is done in Jesus’ name. One person may seem ideal, he has all the known qualities – And another may seem weak at first until you see him on his knees. Another may seem limited in education and in verbal skills – But God can choose and use a man who wants to do God’s will.
Some seem so unassuming we wonder why the Spirit raised him. His speech may not be so great and he has some real limitation. It often is a surprise when such a one gets up to speak – He knows the Book so well without knowing Hebrew or Greek That one comments to another, “That brother knows His God, I will follow his lead,” and puts his feet where the man of God trod.
“O God, I thank Thee for the many people You put in my life to guide and teach me as well as correct me. I have been preserved from many problems and potential dangers that could have easily made my life a real mess. I praise Thee for every one used by Thee to give me such joy in the Lord as I have today. With all my heart I thank Thee, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”