the Fourth Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Our Daily Homily - Volume 1
Judges 3:20—I have a message from God unto thee.
God’s Messages are often secret.—When Eglon was assured that Ehud had brought a Divine message, which could only be delivered in secret, "a secret errand" (Judges 3:19), he fearlessly bade all his retinue go forth from the audience chamber. And in utter loneliness the one passed to the other the message of death. So there are crises in our lives when God’s messengers bring us the secret message, in which none can intrude or interfere.
God’s Messages must be received with, reverence.—When Ehud said, "I have a message for thee," Eglon rose out of his seat. This was a mark of respect, the attitude of attention. It is with similar awe that we should ever wait for the revelation of the Divine will. "What saith my Lord unto his servant?"
God’s Messages leap out from unexpected quarters.—Ehud was left-handed; his sword was therefore on his right side, and he appeared unarmed. No one dreamed of looking for his sword, except on his left side; he was therefore allowed to pass unchallenged into the presence of the king. So Nathan strode into David’s presence, who thought his sin was undiscovered, and said, "Thou art the man." Cultivate this surprise with sinners.
God’s Messages are sharp as a two-edged sword, and cause death.—A scimitar is sharp at the edge, and blunt at the back to strike; a two-edged sword is made to pierce. God’s Word pierces as a two-edged sword to the dividing of soul and spirit in the recesses of the being, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. When the Eglon of self has received its death-wound, the glad trumpet of freedom is blown on the hills.
