Daily Readings - Wed Aug 23 2017
Judges
6And all the leaders of Shechem came together, and all Beth-millo, and they went and made Abimelech king, by the oak of the pillar at Shechem.7When it was told to Jotham, he went and stood on top of Mount Gerizim and cried aloud and said to them, "Listen to me, you leaders of Shechem, that God may listen to you.8The trees once went out to anoint a king over them, and they said to the olive tree, 'Reign over us.'9But the olive tree said to them, 'Shall I leave my abundance, by which gods and men are honored, and go hold sway over the trees?'10And the trees said to the fig tree, 'You come and reign over us.'11But the fig tree said to them, 'Shall I leave my sweetness and my good fruit and go hold sway over the trees?'12And the trees said to the vine, 'You come and reign over us.'13But the vine said to them, 'Shall I leave my wine that cheers God and men and go hold sway over the trees?'14Then all the trees said to the bramble, 'You come and reign over us.'15And the bramble said to the trees, 'If in good faith you are anointing me king over you, then come and take refuge in my shade, but if not, let fire come out of the bramble and devour the cedars of Lebanon.'
Sermon
The reading from Judges presents a parable spoken by Jotham, the son of Gideon, in response to the people of Shechem appointing Abimelech as their king. Jotham uses the metaphor of trees seeking a king to critique the shortsightedness and self-interest of the people. The olive tree, fig tree, and vine—all fruitful and beneficial—refuse to abandon their purpose to reign, while the bramble, a thorny and useless plant, accepts the role, warning that if the people do not submit to its rule, it will bring destruction. This parable serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of choosing leaders who prioritize power over the common good.
In this story, Jotham highlights the importance of humility and selflessness in leadership. The fruitful trees recognize the value of their current roles and refuse to abandon them for the sake of power, while the bramble, devoid of true worth, grasps at authority and threatens harm. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God’s displeasure with those who seek power for its own sake, rather than serving others. The context of Jotham’s speech is one of sorrow and warning, as he sees the people of Shechem making a choice that will lead to their downfall.
In our daily lives, this parable challenges us to reflect on our own attitudes toward leadership and service. Do we seek positions of influence for personal gain, or do we humbly serve others, recognizing the value of our current roles? Jotham’s words remind us that true leadership is not about dominance but about fostering the well-being of others. As we navigate our own choices and relationships, let us strive to emulate the olive tree, fig tree, and vine—remaining faithful to our responsibilities and trusting in God’s providence, rather than succumbing to the temptation of power that harms others.