KingdomView, Vol. IV, Issue 19 Scripture: (Judges 3:31)
Today we celebrate fatherhood; therefore, to all the dads out there, Happy Father’s Day. Recently, there was a very encouraging news report that spoke about a growing trend in America where fathers are engaging more with their families, especially with their children. I am proud to say that the men of Celebrate New Life Tabernacle (CNLT) Church are at the forefront of that trend. Our ministerial staff and team have for many years promoted, celebrated and encouraged a strong presence of godly male leadership and involvement in the home (Genesis 18:19). Furthermore, our men have even served as surrogates for those single mothers with sons to supply that much needed male influence as they seek to raise boys that will one day grow up to be godly men. I salute all the kingdom men out there who are fulfilling their God ordained role and responsibilities to their children and families (Psalm 128:1-6). However, with this deserved praise, there remains yet more work to be done.
In Acts 10:38, we witness several aspects of the ministry work of Christ. One aspect of Christ’s pre-redemptive work involved “healing all who were oppressed by the devil; for God was with Him” (10:38c, NASB). My Scripture text for today’s sermon deals with a judge by the name of Shamgar whom God called and anointed to relieve the suffrage of Israel from their oppressor, the Philistines (Judges 3:31; 5:6). Judges reveals God’s provision for freeing His people from the oppression of various antagonists (Judges 2:16-18). In Hebrew, the word oppression carries the idea of distress, affliction, or to crush. Just like Jesus, the judges were to free Israel from the reality of their oppression. Thus, in the spirit and work of Shamgar we call kingdom men to action to address some societal ills that result in oppressions that manifest themselves in the form of fatherless children, a national high school dropout rate of 30% just to name a few, and this figure is even higher among African-American and Hispanic children. However, kingdom men with the spirit of Shamgar can influence and have a positive impact on some of these oppressive issues.
Scholars consider Shamgar to be the third of twelve judges that God raised up to free Israel from oppression, even though the Bible does not explicitly refer to him as a judge. It is conjectured that he was a farmer because of the ox goad that he used to liberate Israel from their oppressors, the Philistines (Judge 3:31). He slew 600 Philistines with a farm tool. An ox goad is stick of approximately 8-10ft in length that had a pointed metal end for prodding oxen and a flat metal end―a spade for removing mud build up from the plow. God called him to break the oppression of the Philistines and he used what was readily available to fulfill his call for Israel had been stripped of all weapons of war by their oppressors (Judges 5:8; 1 Samuel 13:19-22). Here is what the Bible Exposition Commentary of the Old Testament says:
Here was a man who obeyed God and defeated the enemy even though his resources were limited. Instead of complaining about not possessing a sword or spear, Shamgar gave what he had to the Lord, and the Lord used it. Joseph Parker said, "What is a feeble instrument in the hands of one man is a mighty instrument in the hands of another, simply because the spirit of that other burns with holy determination to accomplish the work that has to be done."
Brethren, let our hearts burn anew with a fresh determination to operate in the anointing power of the Spirit to do what we can to lift the oppressive bonds from others (Acts 1:8; 1 John 2: 20, 27). All it takes is a willing heart and a life that is made available for the master’s use. It is not so much about ability, but availability. Jesus will use what you have at your disposal and when he touches (or anoints) it, watch out! Shamgar used an ox goad, Samson a jawbone of donkey, and Moses a rod. In practical application, lend yourself to mentor and/or tutor a child; find some time to help a single mother with her son; or become involved with the Timothy Training and Development Center at CNLT where we are engaged in social services ministries that address human needs. Remember our mantra brothers: “Strength and Honor in the Lord and Service and Commitment to His work,” Happy Father’s Day!
