Be the OneSample

Audience of one

In Judges 3 after the story of Ehud (who is like a Special Forces operative in the Old Testament), there’s a short mention of a guy named Shamgar. “After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad. He too saved Israel” (verse 31). Shamgar struck down six hundred men? I want to hear that story! And what’s an oxgoad? Google says it’s a long wooden pole with an iron spike used to poke an ox pulling a wagon too slowly. Okay, now I want even more details on this Shamgar guy!

Do you think Shamgar is in Heaven bummed out about only getting one verse, one quick mention in the Bible? Not for a second! Shamgar served God to serve God. He didn’t serve for his name to live on but for the name of the Lord to live on. Shamgar lived for an audience of one.

Too often we can wonder if our Christian service is worth our effort. “What do I get out of this? What’s this going to cost me? How great of an impact will it make?”

Shamgar is a great reminder that serving God is worth it, regardless of the recognition. If it’s good to do good, then do good without counting the cost.

What is left for you to do? What good work has God prepared in advance for you to do that you’ve been hesitant to fulfill? Be a Shamgar! Be active! Be faithful! And leave the results up to God.

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