THE OLIVE, THE FIG, THE VINE, THE BRAMBLE
Today’s 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. 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 with the Samaritan High Priest as I travelled from Amman, Jordan, to Jerusalem. 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 and the Samaritan woman at the well at the foot of Mount Gerizim. This Samaritan High Priest, 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 direction God was leading me. I am not one to run away like Jotham did. I may be 80 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
Please, Lord, help us in Canada to choose good and Godly leaders. Bless all Your workers, we ask in Jesus’s great name, amen
Amen, Rob!
Yes, Amen Rob!
Amen.
Amen!!
A big AMEN,Rob. Again I post this ‘message’ in that regard:
Under God
One nation under God that denies Me,
Will fall apart and be devoured,
If you refuse my love that’s free,
As if I am something now soured.
Your enemies have delivered my warning,
Therefore turn back to find truth,
For the wolves only bring mourning
From the sacrifice of your youth.
Greed is now what too many now preach,
For the demon has reached within,
But you can still change to teach,
So the children may turn from sin.
If you allow the wolves in their power,
To consume with endless thirst,
Then you are guilty at this hour
In helping bring about the worst.
So remove the wolves behind the crown,
For they are deeply entrenched,
And let them and their filth drown
As my laws are tightly clenched.
G W (Bill) Marshall / 11/09/2013
Each day we read a ‘breath from God’:
Breath From God
Each page is a breath from God,
Each sentence is written in love
And it will guide you as you trod
On your journey home above.
Let not fear plug up your ears
Nor the beauty of its truth escape,
For this truth dissolves all your fears
And fills your heart with agape.
To know the mind of the Lord
Is the purpose of these words divine,
So that you can wield His mighty sword
To fulfill His just design.
(G W) Bill Marshall/30 Nov, 2015
I watched this movie last night but I wonder about it’s accuracy.Have a great day and may God bless
Day of Triumph (1954)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIBc3PoUM1k&list=PLnHyvLi0coAHTVGY9qsyoA4vNJbBa7KX7
Amen Bill. Have a great day as well!
And thanks for posting the movie; will try to watch it, later.
Especially enjoy the trees and the vine in today’s scripture, as well as David’s prayer and message. More bad weather coming, but we are strong in the Lord. Amen, saints? Be blessed, today. He loves us, so!!
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7 ESV
Hillsong – I Adore with lyrics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pb-CRDIUXM
P.S. Thanks saints for so many prayers of late. Prayer is power in our connection with God and His love for each other. Praying that everyone’s needs are being met. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Amen Rob. Prayed David’s Prayer. Glad David followed the leading of the Lord. Good poems William. Thanks for all your prayers and agreement in prayer for me of late as well saints. Thanks Beverlee for the song as well as posting and for all the postings saints.