In Judges 9, Abimilech- Gideon's son- is trying to get people to make him the king. And that seems like a good idea until his brother Jotham hears about it. Now Jotham delivers a pretty good parable about how all of the trees are too busy bearing fruit to be made king, and the thornbush is the only one that has the time.
This passage reminds us of the old truism that the best people suited for the job- be it king or president or, as Dr. Reid told us, the bishop- are the people who want it the least. There are remarkably few like Cincinattus, who gave up power after he saved the empire; like Gideon who did the same. In fact, most are like Saul or Augustus, who at least pretend to have no interest in power until they have it, and then are driven mad by the drug that it is. Power, it seems, corrupts; therefore it ought never go to those who are already corrupt. Be suspicious of those who grab for power.
About Me
- Wyatt
- This humble blogger is a student of Religion and Theology, and strives to be a participant in the dialogues important to life in the world today.
word. that's good stuff sir. I think I'll read Judges 9 tonight. I agree, many of us think we are a Gideon or even a David, but are Sauls. boo. Have you read the book A Tale of Three Kings? its been a while, but i remember liking it. Its about this sort o' thing among other things. Thanks for posting this bro!
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