Today’s Reading:
Judges 9:6-15
He who fights and runs lives to fight another day is a popular adage that is believed by most African cultures. There is a fight and struggle for survival in every sphere of life. (Spiritual, Political, even in families between relatives and siblings). A lot of innocent blood has been shed on several unjust causes. A lot of people are victims of rituals, wars, and power tussles. The numerous problems in our land/nation today can also be linked and traced to the blood of innocent citizens crying to God for vengeance.
Today's passage identified several characters that we can learn from.
Abimelech was a man driven by power and he did all he could to get it by all means. This involved the murder of his own brothers (vs.1-5). We also saw the people of Shechem who supported his evil ambition, funded it and also crowned him as king afterwards (Vs.3, 4, 22).
Jotham is our main subject of discourse, he was the last son of Jeru-Baal (Gideon) who miraculously escaped untimely death. He identified that his escape was not just by luck but by divine Providence so that he could declare the mind of God to the people whether they take it or leave it. His message is what was seen from (vv. 6-20). The response of those trees he used figuratively suggests that they were not ready to lose their purpose, worth and value because of title and positions. They knew their purpose of creation and stayed true to it.
Today many people act like Abimelech who does the unimaginable to achieve their ambition. Believers in Christ should not be guilty of this. Understand your purpose and calling and stay true to it. If it pleases God to elevate you to the place of Power and Authority, let him work it out by himself. Stop cutting corners or bribing your way to the top (Godliness with contentment is great gain (1Tim 6:6).
The scripture has admonished us not to follow the multitude to do evil. The evil did today has consequences tomorrow.
Just like the trees responded, identifying, and desiring to fulfil God's purpose for your lives will make you live a simple and dedicated life of contentment.
Believers who escaped persecutions, who are miraculously delivered from accidents and every other evil occurrence owe God the duty of promoting His activities in their lives. Jotham escaped death, he knew he was to proclaim the truth to his brethren. God expects us to do likewise. Your preservation is to continue with the course of the Gospel. You cannot afford to disappoint Him who has preserved you for a purpose.
Our world can be a happy and peaceful place of abode for us again when we: a) desist from evil-doing, b)understand God's purpose for our lives and c) stay true to the proclamation of the Gospel.
OLUFEMI AMORAN
Prayer:
Father, please forgive me of all I got or become outside your purpose, and will for my life, in Jesus name.
Forgive me for joining people doing evil and being silent about evil deeds around me, in Jesus name.
Help me understand your divine purpose for my life and live to accomplish it, in Jesus name.
Revive your church O Lord, and fulfil your purpose for her, in Jesus name.
Father heal our land from the vengeance of innocent bloodsheds, in Jesus name.
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