Scripture:
“Shamgar son of Anath came after Ehud. Using a cattle prod, he killed six hundred Philistines single-handed. He too saved Israel.” Judges 3:31
Perspective:
If you have been on a team with no designated leader, someone eventually emerges as the leader. When no one steps up to lead, you are faced with the decision: to lead or not to lead. Sometimes we have to rise to the occasion and lead, even when we receive no accolades, promotion, or acknowledgment.
Shamgar is a Judge that we read about in the Bible, but we know very few details of his life. He has no introduction of his past victories or the extent of his leadership. We do not know his occupation or skills. If he was the person to assume leadership, then it would seem as if there was no one else who was willing to lead. He simply took that which was in his hand, a cattle prod, and used it to accomplish a great victory for Israel. He probably hadn’t been designated as the CEO of some major company or the lead pastor of a church. Most people wouldn’t have even remembered his name. But God sees acts of faith and courage and remembers them. Shamgar is present in this verse in the Bible to remind us that God calls people to demonstrate leadership, no matter their background, occupation, skills, or connections. Regardless of if you are unknown or known by many, ask God to give you the courage to rise to the occasion, not once, but time and time again.
