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WHEN CORRUPTION RULES, NATIONS DECLINE (II)
MONDAY, JANUARY 30
Judges 9:7-21

2 Kings 14:8-14

 

“If my people…
shall humble themselves…

then will I hear from heaven…”

 

WHEN CORRUPTION RULES, NATIONS DECLINE (II)
 
The parable of Jotham gives us a lesson and a plea for godly and wise election of leaders. Jotham survived Abimelech’s massacre of the sons of Gideon, and from a safe distance gave a prophetic parable that is timeless and instructive even for this age. The parable deals with the choice of leadership. It does not condemn choosing leaders, but rather decries choosing unfit leaders. Corruption destroys nations as it leads to a poor choice of leadership. How do men unfit for leadership rise to leadership and positions of influence?
 
“The trees went forth on a time to anoint a king over them” (Judg 9:8). The first thing presented in the parable that leads to the rise of unfit men is the reluctance of fit men. The trees went in search of the king, but the trees that had proven profitable in life all declined the responsibility. Leadership is not to be handed to idle men. Those who have proven responsible and profitable in other spheres of life, those who have served others, who have been tested and by their fruit revealed their value, they are the ones who should be approached for positions of leadership. But when approached, they should not refuse to take on the additional responsibility for the service of God and men. The refusal of the choice trees was the first factor. The second thing presented in the parable is the lowering of standards of consideration. The trees went to the bramble which had nothing to offer, but was considered only because the choice trees declined. When choices are made only because those suitable cannot be found, declension follows. Standards should be maintained, not lowered. If suitable men are lacking, the search must continue, the training and grooming must go on, the standards should not be changed. The bramble which had no value, and which cast no shadow invited the trees under its shadow. The third thing presented in the parable is apathy in making the choice. “All the trees” (Judg 9:14) would include even the choice trees who declined to lead. They refused to lead, but they also consented to the leadership being handed to the unfit. We may not all be able to be in leadership, but all must vote wisely, for fit (not unfit) men.
 
THOUGHT: When government is offered to the unfit, society decays.

PRAYER: Father, grant us wisdom as we cast our votes.

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