As I prepare to study Gideon with a group of ladies in a few weeks, I read through his story (Judges 6, 7 and 8). God was able to use Gideon and a handful of men to destroy an entire kingdom of oppressors. I look forward to learning much from Gideon over the next few months.

I continued reading in Judges 9 and read how Gideon’s son, Abimelech had been made king over Israel. Obviously, this was not part of God’s plan and one lonely voice confronted Abimelech and Israel.

Abimelech had had all of his brothers killed (there were 70), but one escaped. Jotham climbed to the top of Mount Gerizim and told them a story…a parable. This is what Jotham said.

The trees went in search of a king. They first approached the olive tree and asked him to be their king. The olive tree said he wouldn’t give up his honored oil to be king of the trees.

The trees asked the fig tree to be their king. He too refused and said he wouldn’t give up his good and sweet fruit to be the king of the trees.

The trees then asked the vine to be their king. The vine refused and said he would not give up his cheerful wine to be king of the trees.

Finally, with no other trees to ask, the trees approached the thorn bush. Knowing he was their last resort, the thorn bush told the trees to take refuge in his shade. If they didn’t, fire would come from the thorn bush and consume all the trees.

There isn’t an explanation for this parable, except that it was a prediction by Jotham against his brother Abimelech and Israel. It was a warning that if Israel continued to follow the ways of Abimelech, they would destroy one another. It would be quick and move swiftly through the nation, much like fire in a thick of thorn bushes.

But, I believe there is a good lesson in this parable for us today. Think of all the good things we’ve been given by God. Grace, salvation, eternal life, joy, His Spirit, immeasurable blessings, peace, protection, and so much more. These good gifts allow us to live a good life in Jesus.

However, temptation and the evil one’s schemes draw us away from the good we have in God. We leave behind the good that God has provided in search of what is worthless. We seek the dried up, withered thorn bush over a well-watered tree with honorable, good, sweet, cheerful fruit.

We find a clear definition of this in Galatians 5. Life by the Spirit should not include the gratification of the sinful nature (sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness and the like – Galatians 5:19-21). The acts of our sinful nature can clearly be related to the thorn bush in Jotham’s parable. These acts draw us away from God and shows that we are not living by the Spirit.

However, we find in this same passage what fruit is produced as we live by the Spirit of God. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22). These are the characteristics and the fruit that we are to produce. We can liken these characteristics to the olive tree, the fig tree and the vine.

So what is it you are chasing today? The good fruit or the brambles? It’s not just a new day to make the switch, but it is also a new year to make a decision to follow God with a deeper commitment. Regardless of where you are in your walk with Jesus, there is always room for improvement.

I look forward to learning from Gideon’s life and how God was able to use him. I pray that you are involved in a Bible study with a group of believers as well. If not, maybe that’s another decision you could make this year. Whatever you decide to do, do so with God’s Spirit and power directing your path. Keep your eyes open to all the good gifts God has given. They will be honorable. They will be good and sweet. And they will be cheerful.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna