Finally, all the trees said to the thornbush, “You come and be king over us!" Judges 9:14
Have you ever driven on a long trip and viewed trees covered in vines? These vines will eventually cover everything, including fence posts, telephone poles, and electric lines. They will kill not only one tree but an entire forest of trees. On the outside is the lush green life of the vine, but underneath is death.
Read Judges 9:7-15. It is the fable told by Jotham, the youngest son of Gideon who managed to escape the slaughter of 70 of his brothers. His half-brother, Abimelech, had selfish ambitions of becoming the king and was the one responsible for this mass murder. Jotham was giving the people a warning through this parable.
Selfish ambitions are just like brambles, thorn bushes, or any other parasitic plant that sucks the life out of healthy trees. When we begin to serve ourselves, we place our ambitions on something other than God. This self-centeredness grows and grows until it consumes us and affects those around us.
When we serve God, our ambitions will become outward acts of love to others. Instead of being wrapped up in oneself, we become wrapped up in others; our narcissism changes to benevolence. If you notice in this fable, three of the plants give to others; the olive tree provides food and oil, the fig tree provides food, and the grapevines give wine. What does the bramble bush give? It does not offer, but it takes. The thornbush only destroys itself and others.
What happened to self-serving Abimelech? He ruled over Israel for three years but would not go down in history as the first king. His relatives would betray him, and he was killed by a woman who dropped a rock on his head, cracking his skull.
When faced with a decision, ask yourself this question, "Does this serve God or me?" Remembering the deadly vines on the side of the road might help you make the best choice. Self-serving brings destruction, but God serving brings life--abundant life!
God, I choose to serve you. Help me to be giving and loving to others through Christ. Amen
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