"When the children of Israel cried out to the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer for the children of Israel, who delivered them: Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel. He went out to war, and the LORD delivered Cushan-Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed over Cushan-Rishathaim. So the land had rest for forty years. Then Othniel the son of Kenaz died." (vv.9-11)
Reading the book of Judges, with its battles and mighty warriors, can sometimes feel like reading about the modern day Avengers. We have Deborah, Barak, Gideon, and Samson. However, in the line of judges (or deliverers), we also find Othniel. Who? Othniel!
We don’t know very much about Othniel, but what we do know is; the LORD raised him up, and the Holy Spirit empowered him for the job God called him to do (vv.9-10). Our text also tell us that, “the Lord delivered Cushan-Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand (v.10), and “the land rested for forty years” under him (v.11).
The Othniel account helps us focus on what is most important—the activity of God. God often uses ordinary people for His extraordinary work. It is His light shining through our lives that glorifies God and draws others to Him.
When others look at our life, may they see God—not us.
The Truth: “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
