Day 70

By

Abimelech and the Divinely Guided Millstone

Scripture

March 10—Judges 9-12: A King and Six Judges in Israel

Observation

In a day when "every man did whatever he thought was right" (21:25), it is not surprising to find ambition, jealousy. and brutality. Abimelech, son of godly Gideon, sees his father turn down the opportunity to become king. But unlike his father, son will not be denied! He usurps control of the nation, murders sixty-nine of his seventy brothers, and rules for three terrifying years before his life is brought to a premature end by a divinely guided millstone. By contrast, another of Israel's judges—Jephthah—overcomes a horrible family background to become a zealous commander of God's people.

Application

Definition: "Heritage—something you will spend your life trying either to live up to, or to live down."

There are many areas of your life over which you have no control: your gender and height, the color of your eyes, the wealthiness of your parents. All that is part of your heritage from birth. In most cases you can do little to change it.

But while you had no vote in the matter of your ancestors, you have much to say regarding their descendants, because you are one of them! Were you born into a godly family? Then be careful! So was Abimelech. Were you born into a broken home or under regrettable circumstances? Then take heart. So was Jephthah, and God used him mightily. Your heritage is neither an excuse to hide behind, nor a guarantee of future godliness. But good or bad, it can be a source of bringing great glory to God if you allow him to make it a springboard rather than a millstone in you life. Talk to God about it right now!

Prayer

Lord the family you gave us do not define who we are in you. You were there from the beginning and we know you will see us to eternity. We faithfully await your return. Thank you, Jesus!

A Springboard to Heaven is what Matters!




© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2019

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