Judges 3 - Forward Looking Leadership
I’m thankful for leaders like President Trump, whose vision calls us to a brighter future. Though “MAGA” may sound backward-looking, it’s a rallying cry for a better day—a Christian ethic of striving for God’s kingdom. God, the Innovator of innovators, is creatively building His kingdom. Too often, things seem bleak, but trust God’s promise of a bright future - Jesus Christ reigns today (Revelation 19:6).
We need forward-looking leadership—whether for Canadians, Americans, or others. It takes courage and vision to lead well, following God’s guidance with obedience. Authentic leaders catch a glimpse of His passion and pursue it faithfully.
Reject the doom and gloom artists who say things will only worsen. Nonsense! Trust God, who builds and gives abundantly, as He has for millennia (John 1:16). He will continue until Christ returns.
Scripture reminds us that life brings challenges. James 1:13 confirms that God doesn’t tempt us to evil—temptation stems from our own desires. But trials and enemies are real. The Lord of Heaven’s Armies trains His warriors for battle (Judges 3:2). We must be battle-ready, not sidelined. God wants His people prepared, not coddled, for the fight. This applies to our children, too; train them for the battles of the good life.
The goal of our training is to hold fast to faith in Jesus and obey God’s commands (2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 22:12). Life tests us with daily choices: follow the world or obey Christ through the Holy Spirit’s power. Hard work and responsibility are the Christian way.
Moral failure can lead God’s people to serve under evil regimes, as seen in Judges 3:6 when Israel turned to false gods. Yet, when we cry out to God, He is faithful. Our ultimate Rescuer is Jesus Christ, who entered this evil world to save us (Galatians 1:4). Like Othniel in Judges 3, we need Spirit-filled leaders to guide us back to Jesus and onward in the fight to build His Kingdom.
Godly leadership and obedient people bring peace, but we often stray, chasing false gospels preached for fame or falsehood. False teaching leads to disorder and death, not life. God’s people must cry out to Him alone, for He is a loving and generous.
In Judges 3, Ehud’s obedience sparked transformation. Chosen by God, he confronted Israel’s oppressor, King Eglon. In Judges 3:27, Ehud blew the trumpet in Ephraim’s hills, sounding a call to arms that rallied God's people to fight for freedom under God’s guidance. This was both a physical and spiritual summons, uniting God’s people against their oppressors.
Ehud’s story reminds us we’ll face enemies, spiritual and physical, who oppose God’s will. Often, they have a leader, like Eglon, embodying evil. It’s right to name and boldly oppose them, standing firm in God’s truth. Ehud’s courage shows that fighting for what God calls good is just and honorable.
Scripture inspires us to heed God’s call to arms. Revival often begins with one person who obeys God despite the cost, leading others to follow Jesus. This is a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12), requiring the full armor of God—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and His Word (Ephesians 6:13-17).
Yet, our spiritual fight has practical implications. We must organize our families and communities by Jesus’ royal law: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (James 2:8). This means fostering unity, encouraging faith, and standing against evil. Like Ehud’s trumpet, your obedience inspires others to rise, live boldly for Christ, and confront darkness with courage. So be obedient. Make that change today that you've been putting off. Maybe today is day one.
Lord Jesus, please help us to boldly hear Your call to arms today. Help us to step out in faith, name the enemy without fear, and fight for what’s good in God’s sight. Help us, Father, to strengthen each other and to spark revival and lead others to Jesus. Amen.
Silver Medal - Saskatchewan Soccer Provincials Spring 1987
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