March 6 – Judges 9:34-41

March 6 – Judges 9:34-41

34 So Abimelech and all the men who were with him rose up by night and set an ambush against Shechem in four companies. 35 And Gaal the son of Ebed went out and stood in the entrance of the gate of the city, and Abimelech and the people who were with him rose from the ambush. 36 And when Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, “Look, people are coming down from the mountaintops!” And Zebul said to him, “You mistake the shadow of the mountains for men.” 37 Gaal spoke again and said, “Look, people are coming down from the center of the land, and one company is coming from the direction of the Diviners' Oak.” 38 Then Zebul said to him, “Where is your mouth now, you who said, ‘Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him?’ Are not these the people whom you despised? Go out now and fight with them.” 39 And Gaal went out at the head of the leaders of Shechem and fought with Abimelech. 40 And Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him. And many fell wounded, up to the entrance of the gate. 41 And Abimelech lived at Arumah, and Zebul drove out Gaal and his relatives, so that they could not dwell at Shechem.

Battle ensues. People are sent running and many men are wounded. The men run off Gaal and the town is separated. More strife, more misery and more men are wounded and killed. This power play is not over and again no one seeks God.

God knew having a king was not going to be healthy for the Israelites. They persisted and He allowed them to pursue their desire to be like other nations with a king as a leader.

Are we like the Israelites? Do we go chase after what the world values and desires? Check yourself today. Who or what are you pursuing and how does this pursuit line up with God and his desires for your life?

Heavenly Father, how often my desires are all I can see and they cloud my sight of You and Your will for me.  I want to desire only Your will for me but I know my human desires get me way too often.  The enemy is so conniving.  And although he is powerful, I know You are the most powerful and can overcome him at any moment with just a flick of Your finger. I know You have given us free will, but I want my will to lign up with Your plan.  Help me see You and Your plan before anything else and give me the strength to follow it.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen!

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