Youth Ministry through the Judges: Ehud

The second judge in Israel's history was Ehud, the left-handed. Here are some thoughts/lessons from a youth ministry perspective:

Ehud (Judges 3.12-30)

• the key phrase throughout Judges appears in v. 12, "Once again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD." I am always amazed at how often the people of Israel slipped back into sin and disobedience. Then I look at my life and remember I do the same thing. So do you and so do the students you work with. It would not be hard to replace "Israelites" with a student's name: "Once again ___________ did evil in the eyes of the LORD."
• After having peace for 40 years, they forgot about God and ended up in slavery for 18 years. Teens do the same thing. It might be days, weeks, months or years. They go without struggle or crisis for some period of time and begin to neglect/forget what God has done for them. Often, it is during the easy periods of life that teens do not depend on God.
• Ehud is pretty sneaky. Since he is left-handed (not normal for those days) he can put the double-edged sword on his right leg and no one will look for it. This gives him an opportunity to sneak it in past the guards. This is like how people sneak candy into a movie theater using a purse or winter jacket. (Just take a poll of your students and I would say at least 90% have snuck something into a movie.)
• I do not know too many teens who do not like v. 22. "Even the handle sank in after the blade, which came out his back. Ehud did not pull the sword out, and the fat closed in over it." This verse will always get their attention in class.
• Whenever you are on a youth trip involving a restroom break, remember this one piece of advice. Learn from the servants of the king in Judges 3.24-25.
  
• Ehud brought the people of Israel peace (being used by God, of course) because he was willing to take a chance. He was willing to risk his life to take the "message" (v. 19-20) to the king. Teenagers are willing to take chances. They are willing to risk embarrassment. They are willing to risk being outcast. They are willing to risk giving up free time. They are willing to risk for something they believe in. Teenagers are going to change the world because they are not afraid to be different.
  

Next up, Shamgar.

(go to YM lessons from Judges to find others)