Notes
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:10
When God makes us spiritually alive, He gives us a new nature, but our old nature still tries to pull us back. We are in a constant battle between the flesh and the Spirit. Israel’s story in Judges reminds us that even after deliverance, people can live stuck and oppressed if they won’t actively walk in obedience.
After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath rescued Israel. He once killed 600 Philistines with an ox goad.
Judges 3:31
“In the days of Shamgar son of Anath, and in the days of Jael, people avoided the main roads, and travelers stayed on winding pathways.
Judges 5:6
Shamgar lived after Israel had been freed from Egypt and settled in the Promised Land, yet the people were still living in fear and bondage. In Scripture, the Philistines often represent our flesh–our old sinful nature. Shamgar shows us that deliverance doesn’t automatically mean victory. We must choose to walk by the Spirit and put to death the deeds of the flesh.
Just as Shamgar confronted the Philistines, we confront our flesh through the power of the Holy Spirit. And we do it together. The local church is the community through which God uses each believer’s gifts to change the world.
1) Start Where You Are
Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
2 Timothy 4:2
Shamgar didn’t wait for credentials, position, or the “perfect moment.” He was a farmer, working in a field, when God used him. And God wants to use you now. Not “one day.” Not after you're more educated, more confident, more established. Right where you are, as you are.
2) Use What You Have
In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you… Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
Romans 12:6, 11-12
Shamgar didn’t have a sword or elite training. He had an ox goad–a farmer’s tool–and God used it to change a nation. You already have something God can use: a skill, resource, story, relationship, gift, burden on your heart. Don’t wait for “more.” Maybe what you’ve been overlooking is the very thing God intends to use. Steward what you already possess!
3) Do What You Can
Shamgar simply did what he could with what he had. The question isn’t about what you lack, but what are you doing with what you already have?
It was now two days before Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The leading priests and the teachers of religious law were still looking for an opportunity to capture Jesus secretly and kill him. “But not during the Passover celebration,” they agreed, “or the people may riot.”
Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head. Some of those at the table were indignant. “Why waste such expensive perfume?” they asked. “It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor!” So they scolded her harshly.
But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”
Mark 14:1-9
A woman broke open an alabaster jar–costly perfume worth a year’s wages–and poured it out on Jesus. Others criticized her, but Jesus knew that the woman was using what she had to honor Him and prepare Him for burial. And Jesus declared that her act would be remembered wherever the gospel is preached. This is what God calls us to: Do what you can, with what you have, for the glory of Jesus. Your offering–your service, generosity, time, obedience–may look small to others, but not to Him.
Group Questions
- What is your “field” right now (workplace, home, friendships, etc.)?
- What has God already placed in your hands that you may be overlooking?
- What small step of obedience is God prompting you to take?
- Where do you sense your flesh still warring against your new nature?
Prayer
Thank you for placing gifts, resources, and opportunities into our hands. Help us start where we are, use what we have, and do what we can for your glory. Empower us by the Holy Spirit to overcome our flesh and live fully in the purpose you’ve prepared for us.