If you need a little context for your dysfunctional family, and if you need a sobering story to start your Saturday morning, read about Gideon’s son from the concubine in Shechem, Abimelech (Judges 9).
Abimelech, now synonymous with evil, exemplifies what happens when the “leading citizens” of a community (Judges 9:2) are wicked servants of selfish ambition.
God loves us, that’s the Gospel truth. But do we recognize our need for His love and forgiveness? The Bible shows that despite God’s creation, provision, and love, people have the moral ability to reject Him (Romans 1:21-23 and Romans 11:12).
Yet, we see God’s patience with us time and again. God is kind to those who continue to trust Him (Romans 11:17, 22-23).
The Bible reveals God’s character as loving and just, kind and severe. In the story of Abimelech, we see what happens to wicked and worthless leaders who pursue power and control rather than honoring God. Wicked people earn their reward: “Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy” (Proverbs 6:15). This is exactly what unfolds in Abimelech’s story.
Like a dystopian scene from an ISIS recruitment video, Abimelech, funded by his wealthy and wicked uncles, killed all but one of Gideon’s seventy sons, sparing only Jotham, who escaped. Abimelech was cunning. Like a power-hungry executive craving “more, more, more,” he sought to have himself declared “king” of Shechem (Judges 9:6). Be careful what you wish for.
There is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). Just because you hold a meeting and cloak your affairs in religiosity doesn’t mean you’ve reached a righteous, godly decision (Judges 9:6). Be wary of groupthink. Are all your discussions and decisions free of pushback regarding whether your strategic plan aligns with God’s standards? Be concerned. Seek contrarian views. Confirm that what you are doing is right and just. Pray and earnestly seek God’s will.
Abimelech’s appointment as king illustrates how wicked decisions can arise both from outside and within the church. Jotham made this clear when he cursed the people for dishonoring his father and, more importantly, dishonoring God (Judges 9:7-15). There are dire consequences to choosing a leader based on selfish ambition.
Yet, as long as we have breath, we have hope and confidence that God offers patience, grace, and opportunities to lead well, repent of wrongdoing, and appoint leaders who know Him and honor His ways.
Jotham, the only son of Gideon to escape Abimelech’s treacherous blade, rightly predicted that the “leaders” would get the shade of the thornbush (Judges 9:15). Giving authority to corrupt individuals is always a disaster.
Does your organization hire based on competence, merit, good reputation, qualifications, and a transparent, competitive process? Or, like Abimelech’s evil uncles, do you act with self-serving motives, which James warns reveal evil intentions: “But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors” (James 2:9)?
Don’t lose hope. While the devil uses reason and temptation to lead men to poor decisions, God’s power is greater. God uses reason and the persuasion of brave men, led by the Holy Spirit, to bring others to their senses and to the truth (Judges 9:29).
Men, casting a bold vision for your organization requires you to articulate what you stand for, first and foremost; that is, what God stands for. And you must cast a consistent vision as to what you stand against (evil).
Don’t remain silent in the face of evil. Stand for the needy, and especially help those within the church as much as you are able: “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).
Thank You, Jesus, for the brave men and women of God who put their trust in You alone and fight daily for Your righteous cause. Help us to cast a clear vision. And help us to explain to others that freedom comes from obedience to You, and that the chains and ropes of sin that hold captive the evil man are broken and cut by repentance and right relationship with You (Romans 10:4). Thank You, Lord God. Amen.
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