Text
“In this way, God punished Abimelech for the evil he had done against his father by murdering his seventy brothers. God also punished the men of Shechem for all their evil. So the curse of Jotham son of Gideon was fulfilled” (9:56 – 57, NLT).
Insight
After Gideon’s death, his son Abimelech wanted to take his father’s place. “To set his plan in motion he went to Shechem, his mother’s hometown, to drum up support. These relatives were Canaanites and would be glad to unite against Israel” (NLT Study Bible notes).
Abimelech’s selfish plan included killing 70 of his half brothers. By his ruthless acts, Abimelech did evil in the sight of God. He and the leaders of Shechem failed to acknowledge God. When Abimelech ruled, trouble and division came. Perhaps Abimelech believed his plan would prosper and endure and that there would be no consequences for his sin…
However, “you cannot mock the justice of God” (Galatians 6:7, NLT). Evil men and generations who fail to acknowledge Him remain subject to His justice. The facts are: “You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit” (Galatians 6:7 – 8). A lifestyle that acknowledges God and remembers what He has done will find strength to do what is good. Consequently, they “will reap a harvest of blessing if” they “don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9).
“Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to those in the family of faith” (Galatians 6:10).
Prayer
Father, I will not mock You or Your justice. I understand that there are consequences for sin. I acknowledge You and Your will in my life. Thank You for leading me in paths of righteousness. I will do good to everyone. Help me not to grow weary. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Good word. I personally have to constantly remind myself that this principle works both ways. I get so caught up in trying NOT to do certain things in order to abstain from sin. It is much more productive (and easier I think) to focus on the good and holy things that you get to do. Like Bishop Wellington Boone stated from Men at the Cross, "What kind of life is it to just be good at managing your sin?" There's not a character in the Bible besides Jesus who was without sin and transgression, however God used them to accomplish mighty things. Not because of their apathetic passive attitudes, but because they had courageous warrior hearts of God, even if they were maimed and scarred. "You get what you focus on", the saying also goes "what you focus on expands". So Lord help me to focus on you and your goodness instead of the Accuser and his evil schemes. Help me to not try to save my life through caution, avoidance, and apathy. but to live a life so full of love, passion, and adventure that I would not worry about losing my life for the cause of the Creator.
ReplyDeleteThere is also a subtle reminder in verses 24 and 56 ...God avenged the wrong....How many times have we felt the need to avenge the wrongs against us. Well, apparently God Himself is quite familiar with what is going on and is quite capable of being the Judge. As for us, let it go. Be on guard, but let it go.
ReplyDelete