fathom blog

Finding

 

 

Here you sit ready to worship.  You are here to worship a God who loves you, who saved you, and who is Spirit.  We can’t see Him.  Sometimes we ‘feel’ Him, and sometimes we don’t.  So, how do we FIND Him?  How do we know what He wants?  How do we know what He is saying?  What moves us to love and worship Him?

 

God’s word is living.  The Bible you hold is not just a book like any other.  The words in it mirror the everlasting truths and character of our eternal God.  In His word we hear from God.  He speaks to us…of His love, His desires, and His actions.  He gives us instructions that guide us.  He speaks words that heal us and give us hope.  The words written in the Bible are as real or more than any ‘feelings’ we may have.  These words are for YOU.  Tonight we want to FIND God is His word.  There is nothing better than hearing God personally from His word.  It is constant.  It is clear.  It does not change or go away.

 

Tonight we are going to look at a passage from Judges.  We are going to examine it and ask questions of it.  We are going to practice hearing the message of God in His word FINDING what He would teach us tonight.

 

Read Judges 3:12-30.

Write down lessons you learn or thoughts you have on another paper.  Then compare your findings to some of my thoughts and questions.  See how God speaks and is revealed in His word.

 

 

Read verses 12-14.

 

·         The Israelites had just 40 years ago spent a great deal of time in persecution, pain, and judgment.  Once the oppressor was gone – once the danger seemed to leave – see how quickly they returned to a state of sinful life.

·         Why would God bring suffering on His people?  Why would He give power to this evil king who would use his power to enslave the people of God? How does the harm done to the flesh (the body) of people help to save their spirits?  Could God be using your hardships to call you back to Him?

·         Vs. 13 says Eglon took possession of the ‘City of Palm’ (Jerico).  The Israelites lose the promised land they had just won, and they become slaves again (vs. 14) like in Egypt. Look how sin cost them what had been won by divine mercy. Since they wouldn’t give God His due freely, they gave under pain. What is the cost of sin in your life? What do we lose to allow sin in us?

Read verses 15-16.

 

·         When the Israelites cry out, what does God do? He answers. He Hears. He moves. This did not happen overnight; God brought a deliverer as He always does. Can God deliver you from your oppressor?

·         Who does He pick?  What do you know of the tribe of Benjamin?  It is the smallest tribe…the weakest.  Why a left-handed man?  What was thought of those who were left-handed?  They were thought to be strange, lesser, or misfits. God’s power is shown in the weakest and most surprising person. Where are you looking for help?

·         Vs. 16: Look how Ehud prepares.  He readies himself and his tools to do what God has called him to do.  God has a plan for you.  How do you prepare?

·         What does Ehud think he should do with this oppressor in his land?  Should he talk to him and try to get along?  Should he ask him to leave? Ehud knows he must kill this oppressor.  He will never leave, and they cannot live together.  What oppressor are you living with? Do you need to kill something that has invaded your life? Why accept it?

 

Read verses 17-23.

 

·         What do you think about Eglon? What is wrong in his life?

·         He is seeking power, wealth, and knowledge of this world. Those are empty and in the end cost him his life.

·         He trusts an enemy.  He is foolish and allows himself to be alone with one who is more powerful than him (vs. 19).  Are you standing alone against an enemy?

·         His life of ease and indulgence, pleasure, excess, and luxury made him unable to defend himself against attack.  How does your life look?  Are you strong? Do you have a defense? Are you a spiritual fatso from a life of ease and self-serving luxury?

·         Vs. 22 says Eglon poo’d himself when he died.  See how the life of this once high and proud king ends in shame?  He will be found in a pool of his own blood and excrement.  Only God can secure your glory and exult you.

 

Read verses 24-30.

 

·         Ehud did what he did alone.  It was something that he started in private, but at the right time he blows the trumpet.  Why? He is calling those around to join him. He needs to finish what he has started.  He cannot do it all alone. With others, freedom can be sustained and secured.

There is so much I didn’t type or mention to you from my study of this passage. Do you see how even in a strange passage like this one we can learn so much?  What is God telling you tonight?  FIND Him in His word, and worship this God who delivers His people.