Shamgar and the Ox goad

THE POWER OF FEW

God often accomplishes great and powerful things through few weak people. In that way He is glorified and we are humbled. The victories won can only be credited to His power and guidance.

Shamgar, for example, had nothing to rely on but his ox goad and the Lord. The goad was a long pole with a point on one end that was used to prod the oxen. How ever he did not shrink from the job at hand. He went ahead with trust in God and won a tremendous victory, slaying 600 philistines. 

During the time Noah was building the ark, he was only one - but he won. When Joseph was sold into Egypt by his brothers, he was only one - but he won. When Gideon and his 300 followers with their broken pitchers and lamps put the midianites to flight, they were only a few - but they won.

You too may be only an individual, but you can be a mighty power of good. You may think you don't have much to offer, but God can use you if you will yield yourself to His will and His Spirit.

False Freedom

Sinking Ship:

Many people think they are free because they are having fun and doing as they please. They give little or no thought to God, assuming that a life of commitment to Christ is restrictive and dull.

In his book “Call to Discipleship” Juan Carlos puts this type of thinking into perspective. Suppose that a ship is sinking and the captain knows it. So he tells the passenger that those in second class are free to go up to the first class. Those who care to drink may have all the whiskey, vodka, or wine they want – it’s free. Anyone who wants to play soccer in the dining room may do so. If anything is broken, it’s no problem. The passengers are delighted and think they are completely free. But soon they will all be drowned.

That’s a picture of the kingdom of darkness. People have “Freedom” – sex, drugs, alcohol, anything they desire. They are convinced that they are kings and queens of their own tiny kingdoms. But the spirit of death controls them, and ultimately it will destroy them.

Real freedom is found in Jesus Christ. He enables us to become all we were designed to be. His restrictions are like wings to be a bird or sails to a ship. 

Let us accept Him as our Savior and the Truth will set us free.

Walking In Faith

To give people the illusion of walking on the air, "The walk of Faith" a platform of laminated glass was constructed at the top of a 385 foot tower in Blackpool, England. Once Associated Press had released a photo of a woman who walked on the invisible walk way, in which her fists clenched against her face - trying to summon the courage to take a step. However, she had been told the platform was safe but she was still afraid.

Sometimes we too feel that way about our circumstances. Our walk of faith can be challenging and sometimes scary. But because God is powerful and present, we can step out in confidence today.

" It is better to Walk with God by Faith than to Go alone by Sight "