These strange verses become a reminder that ruling by human standards can have disastrous results.: first by describing how Abimelech cheated and killed his way to the throne and then, in a parable about trees, showing how paltry leaders will step forward if competent leaders do not accept the responsibility. The healthy alternative is for leadership to guide by divine standards.
Abimelech, at a minimum, can be accused of false advertising. After proclaiming how he was part of the family, he kills his brothers. My "false advertising" may not be as dramatic as this, but do I sometimes present myself as something I am not? Are there ways in which the Church says it lives by God's values, but ends up making decisions by human standards?
One thing of interest in the parable (verses 8 to 15) is how good, strong trees (olive, fig, vine) say "No" to the invitation to serve. When have you had gifts to share with others, but did not do so? Perhaps some type of false humility has led you to deny the opportunity. Perhaps some degree of "looking out for number one" has caused you to fail to serve. Perhaps some level of deafness to the cry of others has meant you were not "available."
If you read on past the assigned text, you will see that Abimelech does not come to a good end (Judges 9:56). He has been hit in the head by a rock thrown by a woman. Abimelech asks his armor carrier to stab him to death so people won't say that a woman killed him (v. 54). Talk about male chauvinism! When has gender pride led me to hurt myself (and others)?
This week's study comes during Advent. That seems like a weird time to tell the history of Abimelech. Think of it this way. When I come to understand the limits of leadership from frail human values, I begin to see the hunger for a divine presence in our lives. Maybe it is fair to say that by looking at Abimelech, I become even more eager to look toward Bethlehem to see what this is that the Lord is doing!
What could go wrong?
What Someone Else Has Said:
In More Holy Humor (Guideposts), Cal and Rose Samra share this story from a young father: "Our youngest daughter, Nancy, was almost four. My wife and I and our older children tried to prepare Nancy for Christmas by talking with her about the real meaning of Christmas and why the family celebrated it. Nancy had a wonderful Christmas, with lots of presents and toys. A few days later, she was talking with her older sister about what a great Christmas she had, and said, "I sure hope Joseph and Mary have another baby."
Prayer:
As you prepare this lesson, let your prayer begin: "Come, Holy Child ... "
