And all the men of Shechem gathered together, and all the house of Millo, and went, and made Abimelech king, by the plain of the pillar that was in Shechem. Judges 9:6 KJV
Judges 8-9 reveals a problem we often struggle with; we want to put people in God’s place in our lives. In chapter 8, Gideon had refused to be king reminding the people God was already their king. However, although he did not wear the title, Gideon served as a king would, and people looked to him rather than God. Because of Gideon’s character, this misplaced authority seemed to work, but the fruit of it was manifested after his death through his son Abimelech. In order to be king, he slew all his brethren and the people were willing to follow, which quickly led to their destruction. We learn three truths in chapter 9. (1) When God is not our Ruler a void of authority will exist in our life. (2) When such a void of authority exists, a bramble king (someone unqualified to rule) will fill it. (3) Whenever we allow a bramble king to rule us, destruction will soon follow.
Lord, we always reap what we sow; when we put someone other than you on the throne of our life the consequences can not be good. You are my king and I want you to remain there, help me in times of weakness when I am tempted to put others in your place.
