Image by: Keith Bacongo

Introduction

The book of Judges say that God used different kinds of people to deliver Israel. Strong warriors, women of wisdom etc. Shamgar was a judge too, but he was just a farmer. The Bible gives only a short account of his mission. Why did God chose a man with low profile to deliver Israel. Let us see.

Text: Judges: 3:31

1. Shamgar obeyed God

According to history Shamgar was no more than a farmer. No one ever trained him for battle. All he knew was farming. Shamgar must have been quiet upset about the condition of the land of Judah when God called him. Once again the Israelites had sinned against God, and God had handed over them to the hands of the Philistines. Philistines would come to Shamgar's village regularly, destroy their crops and take away everything people had to live on. Despite the lack of military training, Shamgar responded God's calling to fight the Philistines.

Shamgar obeyed God's calling. He had a passion and a desire to serve God and redeem Israel though he had not fought in battle before. Today the problem with some Christians is they dream of doing great things for God but they don't obey.

Granville Oral Roberts (January 24, 1918 – December 15, 2009)[2] was an American Pentecostal televangelist and a Christian charismatic. He was the founder of Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association and Oral Roberts University. During his ministry that exceeded six decades, reaching millions of people around the world. When some one asked him the secret of his success in ministry he replied, I obey God unconditionally

It's not necessary to worry about what we have and what we don't but to obey is to submit yourself  the way you are. With that we come to the second point of our sermon.

2. Shamgar used what he already had

Shamgar didn't use a double edged sword to struck down 600 Philitines.  He rather used his Ox-goad. With it he killed 600 Philistine soldiers armed and well trained for battle. I want to challenge each and everyone of you today. Non of us can tell that God hasn't imparted a gift upon us. Some gifts could be insignificant while the others let us stand under the lime light. But this is immaterial. Shamgar had only an ox goad. But God used it for His glory and to deliver the children of Israel. Contribute to the Lord's work with your unique gift and revival will overwhelm the church and your nation. It's very important that you don't compare your gift with those of others.

Paul said to Timothy,

"Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you." (1 timothy 4:14)

3. Shamgar used what he had with the anointing of the Holy Spirit

Anointing comes upon what you already have.

Your gift could be the most significant or the least significant. But it's not effective until you ask the Holy Spirit to anoint you. When you do that He will  teach you to use the gift effectively.

Conclusion

Do you have a desire to serve God? Then follow the example of Shamgar.