March 15, 2023
In our North American culture; there are countless movies, television shows, books, comic books, and other forms of communication that promote heroes and heroines. Many of them are fictional, a lot are historical, some are cultural (within a given people group or nation), and a few are just comical … ever see the stories of Hancock, Deadpool, Spiderman, The Tick, or say Squirrel Girl?
We like stories of super people because it helps us to escape the humdrum nature of life, it helps us to believe in the triumph of good in an increasingly evil and random world, we often see some of the personal characteristics of these individuals in ourselves and in those people we know, and almost everyone enjoys some mindless entertainment.
Who are some of your real-life heroes and heroines? A relative, friend, co-worker, classmate, coach, a spiritual leader, politician, or social influencer? Before you answer that, we need to define the word HERO: “A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life.” American Heritage Dictionary
Now that may narrow the list of those who we might consider. We’ve said there that heroes and heroines maybe me fictional, historical, cultural, or even comical. However, have you thought about those who may be identified as such because they are biblical?
I’m sure that names like Moses, Samson, Deborah, David, Elisha, Esther, and John the Baptist will come to mind. And rightly so, as they really fit the definition I’ve provided.
One of my heroes is Shamgar. His name means, “called or named a stranger.” This immediately makes me think of one of my movie heroes of the old west – Clint Eastwood known as “The Man with No Name” in his famous Italian Spaghetti Western films. Ok … you will have to do some research on those.
Just as Clint came waltzing into a dirty ole western town besieged by bad guys and single handedly deal with them, Shamgar did pretty much the same thing in old western Israel. The time period is given as the book of Judges and the bad guys are identified as the Philistines.
Shamgar was a leader or judge (don’t think of our guys in a black robe) raised up by God to represent Him to the Jewish people and to lead them out of trouble into a closer relationship with the Lord. This guy didn’t get much press, as he is mentioned only twice in the Bible, but WOWSA “he was a stud!”
Judges 3:31 “After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad. He too saved Israel.”
Judges 5:6-7a “In the days of Shamgar son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were abandoned; travelers took to winding paths. 7 Villagers in Israel would not fight;”
Three things we can learn from the life of this ancient hero:
First – God can use anybody to be somebody for Him.
Shamgar was a simple farmer, and not a graduate of a major university or a military academy. It wasn’t his ability but his availability that allowed God to use him to do some significant things. Any man or woman, teenager or child at Grace Church can be used by God to do amazing things … if they really have prioritized God over their own will and whims. Don’t look at the body count that is given, but look at the result in Judges 3:31 “He too saved Israel.”
Second – What we have in our immediate possession is what God has provided for his work.
Shamgar didn’t run off to military school, watch a YouTube video on how to use an ox goad, or read up on the weaknesses of a Philistine. He went to battle NOW, once God called him.
Do you remember David having King Saul’s armor thrust upon him? Wasn’t going to work as it wasn’t what he was familiar with. Instead, he used his sling and simple stones — things he was very successful with in the past. God wants to use your life right now … with your level of education, learned skills, personality, spiritual gifts, testimony (thing of the woman at the well — hers wasn’t that good), and your passions. NOW … not tomorrow. Grace Church provides all kinds of classes, mentoring, and ministry opportunities to sharpen who you are so you can use what you have to make a difference NOW!
Third – Shamgar stood up when very few others were willing to do so.
Shamgar faced 600 of the enemy with a simple farm tool. His courage was obvious. Christianity and Grace Church in particular need more people like Shamgar, who will rise up and Honor God and Help People. Shamgar stepped forward, the pastor and staff didn’t have to “recruit” him. He presented himself and his meager tools to God. Ask yourself, “Is your service forced and begrudged? Or is it what it ought to be: voluntary, cheerful, and consistent?”
It is not always popular to stand against ungodliness and even the laziness that besets so many people today. In fact, it is frequently very tempting to “go with the flow” and look for the easy way out. To many stand back and let others work in the nursery, the maintenance team, the Clubhouse, and the Bridge, and stand by while others contribute financially and prayerfully.
In 2023 BE a Shamgar. A hero or heroine who steps forward to honor God and help people.