Godonomics

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Judges 9:7-16 is a parable delivered by a man who saw his family slaughtered by mercenaries. Jotham is shocked that the people of his nation are seemingly unmoved by injustice, the killing of innocent life, and corrupt leadership. Jotham realized that most are too afraid, busy, or apathetic to step into the ring of public service. Jotham marches into town and offers a parable. This story is as applicable today as it was in the book of judges.

The Speech
7 Now when they told Jotham, he went and stood on top of Mount Gerizim, and lifted his voice and cried out. And he said to them: Listen to me, you men of Shechem, That God may listen to you!

The Parable
8 The trees once went forth to anoint a king over them. And they said to the olive tree, Reign over us! 9 But the olive tree said to them,Should I cease giving my oil, With which they honor God and men, And go to sway over trees?

Too Busy to Help

10 Then the trees said to the fig tree,You come and reign over us!11 But the fig tree said to them, Should I cease my sweetness and my good fruit,And go to sway over trees? 12 Then the trees said to the vine,You come and reign over us! 13 But the vine said to them, Should I cease my new wine, Which cheers both God and men,And go to sway over trees?

The Thornbush king rules when good people stay too busy

14 Then all the trees said to the bramble,You come and reign over us!15 And the bramble said to the trees, If in truth you anoint me as king over you, Then come and take shelter in my shade; But if not, let fire come out of the brambleAnd devour the cedars of Lebanon!

The Challenge
16 Now therefore, if you have acted in truth and sincerity in making Abimelech king, and if you have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house, and have done to him as he deserves…

Do we complain or get involved?

Do we care about the murders of innocent life?

Do we remember those, like Gideon, who fought for our freedom?

For evil to prosper, good people need to stay busy being productive is the forest – ignoring the flames.

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Everytime we are faced with temptation, we choose to Trust, or put our faith in one Lion or the Other.    If Integrity is “doing what’s right as God defines right regardless of the circusmtances…” Then we will have a moment of trust.  Do I trust God’s way of defining right?  Is it really honey?  Is trusting his way worth it ‘regardless of the circumstances?”

 This is exactly what Jesus did when he was tempted.  He was tempted in every way.  Temptation came to him with honey promising him the riches of the world to bow down before him and turn from God.  Temptation came with fear, telling jesus he woudl starve if he didn’t do what he said.  Temptation came with lies that God wasn’t good and needed to prove himself… And every time, Jesus tasted the honey of God’s word and outloud said, “It is written…”  Meaning I will put my faith and confidence in God’s definition of right and wrong…  More than that, he called this Lying Lion for who he was.    He may have said, “this looks like honey, but is actually a Dead Rotting Carcas…”

Live in Light of the Lions.

1. Identify ONE Zombie Lion who is lying to you.   (fear, worry, self hatred, lust, anger, over spending, compromise, greed, etc)  And I want you to try this week, whenever that issue comes up, say to yourself, “This looks like honey, but is actually a dead carcass!”  Then…

2. Identify ONE WORD OF HONEY FROM THE LION   Find the one area that you struggle with… the temptation you face, and pick one verse from the Bible that you can use to fight this lion.   I did this years ago. I listed all the lions that attack me, and I googled, Bible verses about anger… Bible verses about money.. .Bible verses about using your tongue… And I memorized One verse for the issue I struggled with.   I want you to do the same.  Find ONE verse. Google one Bible passage.   

 Because if you do, You will avoid the pain of seeing your inner life, faith, family, and future devoured by a lion, and you’ll begin to see the power within your inner life come alive as christ begins to fight for you as you give confidence to him.

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