Ordinary People

Ordinary People

Q: What did Shamgar use to kill 600 Philistines?

• a. a sword
• b. a catapult
• c. an ox goad

Do you ever feel you need a lot of talent to serve God? Maybe you sit in church and listen as the guitarist or pianist plays the special music. You know you can’t do those things. You can’t really carry a tune, either, so you won’t be up front singing a solo anytime soon. You aren’t athletic. You can’t draw, and you’re horrible at any kind of crafts. How can you serve God when it seems he hasn’t given you any talent?

Remember from yesterday’s devotion how God used Ehud, the left-handed judge, to kill King Eglon and to deliver the Israelites? Ehud was just an ordinary guy. Shamgar was another ordinary guy. He didn’t have any great talent. He just knew how to use an ox goad, a common farm tool. And he used it to kill 600 Philistines!

Shamgar was willing to be used by God, and the Lord had Shamgar use a tool he was familiar with to accomplish God’s purpose. The thing about God is, he doesn’t choose only the supertalented, rich, or famous to do his work. He chooses ordinary people. You just have to read the book of Judges to see that.

The Bible says, “Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful” (1 Corinthians 1:26-27). A rich or powerful person might claim credit for himself or herself, but by using ordinary people, God gets the credit.

For You

Ehud used a dagger, and Shamgar used an ox goad. What tool do you have that you can use for God? A pen? You can write a poem that praises God or write an encouraging letter or note to share his love with a friend. A baseball bat? You can give God glory for a home run batted in. Look around you and see what you can use for God today.

Answer: c

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

(The Whole Story: Judges 3:31)