EHUD: THE LEFT-HANDED WARRIOR AND JUDGE PART 12: TAKING CONTROL OF THE CROSSING POINTS

EHUD: THE LEFT-HANDED WARRIOR AND JUDGE

PART 12: TAKING CONTROL OF THE CROSSING POINTS

Judges 3:28 (NLT)

"Follow me," he said, "for the LORD has given you victory over your enemies, the Moabites." So they followed him, and they took control of the shallow crossings of the Jordan River across from Moab, preventing anyone from crossing over.

In Part 11, we discovered that Ehud's declaration, "Follow me, for the LORD has given you victory," was not a statement of human confidence but a declaration of faith in God's power.

Ehud understood that the battle did not belong to Israel. The victory belonged to the Lord. However, after victory begins, wisdom must take over.

Israel had defeated the king, but the enemy was not completely removed. The Moabite army still existed. The threat was not over.

So Ehud made a strategic move:

He took control of the crossing points of the Jordan River.

The Battle After The Battle

Many people focus on the moment of breakthrough but forget what happens afterward. The enemy had lost its leader. But the remaining forces still had the ability to regroup. Ehud understood that victory required more than defeating Eglon.

It required preventing the enemy from returning. This is a powerful spiritual lesson.

Sometimes God gives us victory over a major battle, but we must still guard the areas that could allow the enemy to regain access.

Freedom requires responsibility.

Why The Crossing Points Mattered

The Jordan River was not just a body of water. It was a strategic boundary. The shallow crossings were places where people could easily move from one side to another.

Whoever controlled those points controlled movement. Ehud understood military strategy. If Moab could not cross back, they could not regroup quickly. The enemy's ability to return was restricted.

This teaches us a valuable principle:

Victory is not complete until access to the old enemy is removed.

Spiritual Crossing Points

Every person has "crossing points" in life.

These are areas where influences enter.

Where decisions are made.

Where battles are won or lost.

For some, it may be their thoughts.

For others, their relationships.

Their habits.

Their words.

Their private choices.

The enemy often looks for an entry point.

That is why Scripture says:

"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."

— Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)

If we do not guard our crossing points, the enemy may find a way back into areas God has already delivered.

Closing The Door And Guarding The Gate

Earlier, we saw Ehud close and lock the door of Eglon's room. Now we see him control the crossings of the Jordan. These two moments reveal the same principle:

Victory requires boundaries.

Closing the door prevented immediate discovery.

Controlling the crossings prevented enemy return.

In the spiritual life, we must learn both.

Some doors must be closed.

Some boundaries must be protected.

Some access points must be surrendered to God.

The Enemy Often Returns Through Familiar Paths

Moab was not a new enemy. Israel had lived under their oppression for eighteen years. They knew Israel's weaknesses. They knew the land. They knew the pathways.

Likewise, spiritual battles often return through familiar places.

Old temptations.

Old habits.

Old relationships.

Old mindsets.

That is why transformation requires more than an emotional moment with God.

It requires a new way of living.

Jesus And The New Way Of Life

Christ does not merely rescue us from sin's punishment. He rescues us from sin's power.

Paul writes:

"Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven..."

— Colossians 3:1 (NLT)

The believer's life must now be guarded by a new identity. We are not people trying to escape bondage. We are people learning to walk in freedom.

When God Gives Victory, Protect It

Israel's victory required action after the breakthrough. They had to hold the crossings. They had to maintain their position. They had to remain alert.

Many people lose victories because they celebrate the breakthrough but neglect the responsibility that comes afterward.

A healed relationship still requires forgiveness.

A delivered person still requires discipline.

A restored life still requires obedience.

Practical Lessons

1. Victory requires boundaries.

Do not leave open the same access points that once brought defeat.

2. Guard what God has delivered.

A blessing must be protected to be preserved.

3. Identify your spiritual crossing points.

Know where temptation and compromise usually enter.

4. Do not underestimate an defeated enemy.

A defeated enemy can still be dangerous if given access.

Key Takeaway

God's victory gives us freedom, but wisdom teaches us how to protect that freedom. Close the doors, guard the gates, and never give the enemy easy access to what God has restored.

Call To Action

Take time to examine your life:

What are the "crossing points" where temptation usually enters?

Are there boundaries God is asking you to establish?

Have you protected the victories God has already given you?

Are there old pathways you need to block completely?

Remember:

A victory that is not guarded can become a battle repeated.

Prayer

1. Father, give me wisdom to recognize and guard every area where the enemy seeks access to my life.

2. Lord Jesus, help me to establish boundaries that protect my relationship with You.

3. Father, reveal every old pathway that leads me back into bondage and give me strength to close it permanently.

4. Lord, teach me to protect every victory, blessing, and breakthrough You have given me.

5. Father, let my life remain established in freedom, obedience, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Next Part Preview

PART 13: THE DEFEAT OF MOAB: WHEN GOD FINISHES THE BATTLE

After Israel secured the crossing points of the Jordan River, they struck down about 10,000 Moabite warriors.

Why did God allow such a complete defeat?

What does this final victory teach us about God's ability to finish what He starts?

Join us as we continue our journey through:

EHUD: THE LEFT-HANDED WARRIOR AND JUDGE

Grace and peace be with you until we meet again in the next part of this life-transforming journey.

God is speaking, are you listening?

Prince Julius Nenebi-Darkson

(EL-PJ God's Penman)