missio

I write daily devotionals for the church, posted on an internal network. This one hits home for me, and I thought I’d bring it out to the public. It’s from Judges 3.

I want to focus on the most epic story in the chapter, the story of Ehud and Eglon. The intro is pretty usual, a rebellious king (Eglon) has captured the people of Israel, and a leader is raised up to free the people (Ehud). But then the story gets…messy.
In short, here’s what happens: Eglon’s a bit on the heavy side (ok, a lot on the heavy side). Ehud, a left-handed man, straps a short-sword to his right thigh for easy drawing. He enters Eglon’s private chambers (bathroom included), and ends up stabbing up. The short sword is swallowed by Eglon’s fat stomach. With me so far? Good. Here’s where it gets messy.

Judges 3:21-22

21 And Ehud reached with his left hand, took the sword from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly. 22 And the hilt also went in after the blade, and the fat closed over the blade, for he did not pull the sword out of his belly; and the dung came out. (ESV)

The sword pierces Eglon’s intestinal tract, evidently, to the point where his dung comes out, which is smelled by everyone in the vicinity. In fact, they think he’s using the bathroom, until they realize he’s dead.

And that’s the lesson I want to learn. What?

Let me explain. Whenever I see a ‘sword’ in Scripture, my mind goes to this verse:

Ephesians 6:17

17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, (ESV).

The sword that the Spirit carries around is the Word of God, or what we know as the Bible.  And here’s the thing I’ve learned:

When the sword of Scripture pierces my core, it reveals my crap.

My sin, shortcomings, and how far short I really am of God’s glory is revealed whenever I read and study Scripture. But thankfully, I don’t have to smell good for God to accept me. I can smell like feces and still be loved by Him. Why?

Ephesians 5:2

2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (ESV)

Because Christ smells wonderful to the Father.