Gideon has defeated the Midianites and left 70 sons to succeed him. One born from a concubine (his name is Abimelech) wants to lead the whole bunch. He goes to his people at Shechem and says, "What do you think is best, that 70 men rule you—all those sons of Gideon—or that one man rule? You'll remember that I am your own flesh and blood."
"They were inclined to take him. 'Because,' they said, 'he is, after all, one of us.'"
Really? That was the primary reason? Not his leadership skills or that God was with him, but that he was one of you?
This one kills all the others but one, Jotham, Gideon's youngest son.
Violence boomeranged.
Three years into Abimelech's rule, the people were dissatisfied. Gaal, a leader who the people of Shechem trusted, said, "If I were in charge of this people, the first thing I'd do is get rid of Abimelech! I'd say, 'Show me your stuff, Abimelech—let's see who's boss here!'"
Zebul, the governor of Shechem and Abimelech's "henchman," got angry. This is the pivotal moment in the story. Zebul's response can change the way things turn out. Will he have the integrity to channel that anger into loving action?
Violence continues to boomerang, because he reacts instead. His knee jerks in violence. He sets up an ambush, so that Abimelech, who is on his "side" can defeat Gaal, the "enemy". Remember, these people are all from the same community.
Isn't Zebul the governor of the city, a key leader for moving the people forward?
In the end, because of his reactive behavior, thousands die, Gaal is expelled from Shechem, and Abimelech's skull is crushed by a millstone dropped by a woman in self-defense.
That didn't go so well.
We find out in the end that God is actually the avenger here, paying back Abimelech and all the men of Shechem for the evil they had done.
How could this have turned out differently?
As each of us discovers who we are and together we do the same for this community we call Faith, I would love to have everyone who is in Scripture daily attend our mission area assembly. We will be speed dating with the Bible and discovering who we are as a synod. The event is Sat, Mar 5th, from 9 am-4 pm in Woburn, just north of Boston. Let me know if you can come. So far, it's Jordan, Bill & Laura, Kaity, and me.
The more people who attend, the more likely we'll be able to take this process back to Faith and figure out our purpose, guiding principles, and strategic directions. As I understand more and more about family systems, I can be a non-anxious leader who doesn't flare up in anger like Zebul did. I would like to surround myself with other leaders who can do the same, keeping us focused on the mission we are on the brink of discovering.
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The allegory of the trees seeking a king rings true today. The olive tree, the fig tree and the vine are all content to be themselves for the benefit and enjoyment of mankind but the bramble, good only for burning covets ulitmate leadership over all others, and when given it threatens to devour all who will not accept his kingship. I have always felt that the best leaders are those who can inspire and direct others to work collaboratively towards a common goal that benefits all in the end. Leaders with vision who can accept and celebrate the gifts of others, like the olive, fig and vine, will always arrive at a successful result. The bramble trying to force others to his will can only satisfy himself, leaving everyone to accept it or be devoured. Not a happy place.
ReplyDeleteYou are so wise. Thank you for being a part of the blog.
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