Today’s Reading: Judges 3:31-4:10, Psalm 20

After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath rescued Israel. He once killed 600 Philistines with an ox goad. — Judges 3:31

SHAMGAR, NINJA WARRIOR

The next “superhero” we find in the book of Judges is Shamgar, son of Anath. We do not have much information about Shamgar, except to say that he once killed 600 Philistines with an ox goad (a long sharp stick used to prod animals). This epitaph of Shamgar’s life is short but sweet. We know that God used Shamgar to rescue Israel from their enemies, and we know that Shamgar had some sick NINJA moves! Now, that’s quite a claim to fame!

But the Israelites again did evil in the Lord’s sight, as they often were in the habit of doing. So God turned them over to King Jabin of Hazor and his commander Sisera, who ruthlessly oppressed the Israelites for 20 years (another generation). Scripture says: Then the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help (Judges 4:3). 20 years passed before the Israelites humbled themselves and cried out for help!

Lord, forgive me for all the times I try to handle things on my own for a while before I finally give up and ask You for help! Forgive me for delaying my recognition that I am helpless on my own. I KNOW I need you every day, in every situation!

Now I know that the Lord rescues his anointed king.
He will answer him from his holy heaven
and rescue him by his great power.
Some nations boast of their chariots and horses,
but we boast in the name of the Lord our God.
Those nations will fall down and collapse,
but we will rise up and stand firm. – Psalm 20:6-8

DEBORAH, WONDER WOMAN

The next average-person-turned-superhero is Deborah – the Bible’s Wonder Woman. This is the first time we hear in Scripture of a female placed in a formal leadership position. This woman of God would sit under what became known as the Palm of Deborah, and people would come to her for judgment. Obviously God had given her the gift of wisdom and trusted her with great responsibility.

Deborah must have also strategically positioned herself in God’s presence because scripture says she heard from the Lord. He gave her a message to give to Barak, calling him to lead a group of 10,000 warriors into battle in order to set the people free of their current oppression.

One thing that stands out to me about this co-hero, Barak, is that he put conditions on his obedience to God’s call on his life. He was willing to go into battle, just as God asked, but only if Deborah went with him. Does this hit close to home for anyone else?

Yes, Lord, I’ll do what you ask as long as…
I’ll obey if first you…
I want to trust you, but…

God is calling us to respond in obedience to Him, no questions asked. He wants a strong submission to flow out of our love relationship with Him, so that we are eager to be used by Him however He pleases.

Lord, forgive me for all the times I have put conditions on my obedience to your call. Forgive me for my selfish desire to be comfortable while following your plan. Give me the strength to always say “yes” and never “yes, as long as…” Help me to respond in obedience without delay or argument. Lord, my life is yours to use as you see fit. Amen.