THE OLIVE, THE FIG, THE VINE, THE BRAMBLE
Suggested Reading: Judges 9
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Mount Gerizim is one of the two mountains in the immediate vicinity of the West Bank city of Nablus (near the ancient city of Shechem), and forms the southern side of the valley in which Nablus is situated, the northern side being formed by Mount Ebal. Gerizim is sacred to the Samaritans who regard it, rather than Jerusalem's Temple Mount, as having been the location chosen by Yahweh for a holy temple. The mountain continues to be the centre of Samaritan religion to this day, and over 90% of the worldwide population of Samaritans live in very close proximity to Gerizim, mostly in Kiryat Luza, the main village.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Judges 9:21
And Jotham ran away and fled; and he went to Beer and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother.
Jotham’s parable shows wisdom. He may have been able to become a judge of Israel replacing his father Gideon, but he chose to run away because of fear. His power-hungry brother had no such fear. Abimelech became the first Israelite to claim the title “King.” How sad that the people chose the bramble to rule over them. It’s sad that Jotham, who seemed to be more like the olive or fig trees, did not step up after Abimilech was killed. Nevertheless, Jotham’s prophecy came to pass in the fires, the millstone, and the sword of the armour-bearer. We should encourage the best leaders, people of integrity and wisdom, to step up for leadership in the church, the government, and in every field of human endeavour.
The Gospel says of Jesus in John 4, “He needed to go through Samaria” (read John 4:1-42). The woman at Jacob’s Well pointed to Gerizim and said, “Our fathers worshipped on this mountain.” The Samaritan religion still flourishes. An annual sacrifice is led by their high priest on the top of Gerizim. Jesus did not run away from His destiny like Jotham. He stepped up to the Cross. He is our fearless Judge, Prophet, Priest, and King.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, You are my King! Your rulership is one of complete authority. I yield to You! Please grant me constant willingness to follow Your leadership in all things. In Your Name I pray, Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I shared a taxi some years ago, as I travelled from Amman, Jordan, to Jerusalem, with the Samaritan High Priest. He was dressed in an impressive robe and turban. His religion seemed to be a mixture of modern Judaism and an ancient form of Israelite worship. It seemed to be a very general approach to God, with a great deal of superstition. He was well aware of the story of Jesus at the well at the foot of Gerizim. The Samaritan religious leader, who lived in Jordan, was on his way to make the annual sacrifice on the top of Gerizim. How thankful I am for the final, once and for all Sacrifice of Jesus, and for the Living Water, which is not in the well at the foot of the mountain, from which I drink deeply every morning before doing this blog.
In the matter of leadership, I knew God called me to His cause. Some people around me encouraged me, but I had to step up and lead in the area into which God was leading me. I am not one to run away like Jotham did. I may be 76 years old, but I still have the strong conviction that I can do much as long as I move boldly forward, and I’m confident that the task ahead is God’s will for me. Amen!
Yours for all that God purposes to accomplish through those who serve Him,
David
P.S. Here is a report from the 100 Huntley Street telecast that gives a perspective on someone who stepped up for leadership. Whatever one’s views on President Obama, this is a thoughtful bit of journalism from 2009 (click here).
Leadership shouldn’t be taken lightly. The position of leadership should be tested, tried and respected. Church leadership is something which should be highly regarded; the pastoral position requires much dedication to study, a steadfast vision for the congregation and a servant’s heart. The Bible exhorts us to pray for our leaders (especially our church leaders), as they have been providentially appointed to lead and to serve in every generation.
Lord, I pray that You will be with our church leaders. Give them the confidence and the steadfastness to do the right thing in your sight. Keep them from pride and from the snares that Satan can easily lay, for they are a key target for a fall. May all of us encourage them, love them, protect them and be faithful to the men and women who lead us in these difficult times when leadership is generally not respected. May these leaders focus upon You, Jesus, as an example in difficult times in ministry. Finally, touch them with your Holy Spirit, that they might continually know Your love and Your presence when the going get’s tough, as it often will. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
AMEN & AMEN!!!
Amen Scott.
We gather in one accord to read your BLOG (Believers Love Our God) and are so blessed. As life happens, I am not always able to digest the post every day, but am always inspired by the thoughtful photos and heartfelt wisdom and everyday realities shared. The blend of historic and present life and the constant power of the Holy Spirit is a three strand cord… soaked in the oil of God’s mercy and love, unbreakable. Blessings from BC… in His Name and everlasting love… Carolyn
David, I have followed 100 Huntley St. since it was started in Toronto. I have watched often. I have visited now that it’s in Burlington and been a financial supporter since the beginning. I am pleased that you have in recent months been visible on C.T.S. You have a special passion and anointing that touches our hearts and brings us closer to God. I hope that God will give you many days yet to be a part of the C.T.S. ministry! God has done much through your faithfulness and obedience.
May God bless you and Norma and family richly.
Joan Adams
AMEN, my heart exactly Joan.
David may God always give you wisdom and fortitude for the days to come and may God be your strength and fortress from the enemies fiery darts. Our prayers are with you.
Your message today covered the whole spectrum, from submitting to Jesus Christ as complete authority to spiritual and political leadership. As we live our daily lives, I pray for discernment and wisdom to move forward, confidently and compliantly, with our Lord Jesus Christ, as King. For as in Isaiah 53:6 “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
Thank you, David, for dedicating your life to Jesus, as a teenager, then stepping up and becoming the Christian leader that you are, always have been, and will continue to be. You have carried the cross and brought so many individuals to know Jesus. God has put much work in your hands to continue with this blog, for which we are grateful. We carry on with you–oh faithful servant! Amen!
Right on Beverlee!!!
Amen, Beverlee. The whole ministry has played a significant part in my life from the beginning. Thank you, David and Norma-Jean and family, plus all the staff.
Love leads us in right ways! As we study, pray, and meditate knowing Love becomes a result, both cause and an effect. Love becomes who we are! Awareness of Love in our present moment, we can let go of extraneous, petty thoughts which is most important to reaching this state. ” Now abides faith, hope and love, these three; but, the greatest of these is Love.”–1 Corinthians 13:13
Amen, Connie.
Thank you again for your example of a humble obedient servant of God – I appreciate and learn from your blogs because I know you teach with the wisdom from God. May He bless you, Norma Jean and your whole family as you faithfully serve Him. The pictures are great too.
I am very pleased to have the new added feature of the scripture being read as we follow along. Two senses being used are better than one! I echo some comments that were made by other bloggers about you appearing on Huntley Street recently, David. It is SO nice to see you every time you come on. You provide a vital link from the past to the present and it makes the “old timers” feel more comfortable that things are moving forward as they should. I hope you make an appearance as often as you possibly can. May God continue to give you strength. You are such a blessing!