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In the book of Judges, we encounter two contrasting figures. There’s Ehud, a judge who was left-handed, a trait often seen as a weakness in biblical times. And then there's Eglon, a man described as 'very fat' in the Bible. Eglon's life was a testament to self-indulgence, a life lived for personal pleasure rather than for God. His focus was solely on himself, seeking only what brought him immediate gratification and pleasure.

Ehud has a conversation with Eglon because Eglon holds Ehud's people captive. Before the encounter, Ehud makes a dagger, and when he approaches Eglon, he stabs him with the dagger and kills him.

The story of Ehud and Eglon serves as a reminder of the daily struggle we all face with our worldly desires. As the scripture says, 'For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.' This struggle is universal, and it's through stories like these that we can find guidance and strength to resist these temptations.

How do we overcome Eglon, or “the flesh?” Ehud did it with a weapon. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword,” (Hebrews 4:12). We must turn to the scripture in times of temptation to overcome the flesh. Reading the Word of God and praying helps us to be spirit-filled. “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16). When we are spirit-filled, we can rely on the Holy-Spirit to work through us in resisting temptation and overcoming sin. “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

 

We will never be able to overcome sin and temptation on our own. Even some of the greatest men and closest disciples to Jesus messed up and sinned in the Bible. It will take a close relationship with God and a daily choice to be spirit-filled to keep us out of a life of sin. May we purpose to live a life walking in the Spirit rather than indulging in the flesh! 

You can read the full story of Ehud and Eglon in Judges 3.