Pastor Baker's Blog

Entry for October 31, 2006

Daily Reading: Judges chapters 9 thru 12

Key Verses: Judges 9:1-5

Power can either be used wisely for the greater good or it can be abused for selfish gain. Abimelech was Gideon's (Jerubbaal) son. He was the son of Gideon's Schechem concubine. I imagine he was not regarded as a legitimate son of the great Gideon. Gideon had seventy sons that were regarded as part of his lineage. This fact probably caused strife among the sons of Gideon. This effect was so great that it drove Abimelech's personality and his need for power, control and significance. Gideon's death provided the perfect opportunity for Abimelech to make his move. As the people of Schechem were relatives of Abimelech, it was easy for him to convince them to allow him, as member of Jerubbaal's family, to rule over them. Since he was the least of the household, he probably caught his brothers totally off guard with his strategic attack.

Once Abimelech tasted power, the power took control of his entire being. Everyone was at his mercy and no one was safe. He conquered. He killed. He destroyed. He protected his power at all costs. Nothing but death could stop him. Finally, that is what happened.

A lot of tyrannical leaders started their lives in difficult, sometimes tragic circumstances. Their early life shaped their behavior. It is important that we use discernment when we submit to someone who has authority over us, whether it is a boss, a spiritual leader or a potential mate. We all have a lot of baggage. Different people deal with their baggage in different ways. The most dangerous people are those who refuse to admit their issues and never deal with them. Many people have gotten into situations, marriages, churches, and work environments that were toxic due to the leadership.

The lesson from Abimelech is two-fold: Our baggage can determine our actions. Also, allow the Spirit direct you in your relationships.

2006-10-31 16:22:50 GMT

Comments (2 total)

Author:Anonymous

I remember how many times I made relational decisions based on appearances. The combination of my baggage and lack of discernment allowed for a lot of hurt in my life. It's funny because I can think back and see how the deceptive appearances changed as I started to mature. At one point (probably in my early 20's), my judgments were somewhat shallow based totally on outward appearance (I think I stayed away from folk that may have looked rough around the edges). Later, I was deceived by people who appeared spiritual. I thought I was looking deeper, but I was not looking deep enough.

One day I hope when people see me that the baggage will be gone and they will only see Christ.
--Aundrea Baker
<mailto:abaker@thewaybiblefellowship.org>

2006-10-31 16:32:19 GMT

Author:Anonymous

As a child I experienced a form of abuse that many people have fallen victim to and find difficult to recover from. Most of them turn to lives of promiscuity or become abusers themselves as a result of what happened in their childhood. I can honestly say that what I experienced caused me to make some really bad choices in relationships, which in turn, brought about a great deal of pain and anguish. However, I thank God for allowing me to see what I am to Him and reassure me that I don't have to partake of certain activities to receive love because of the unfathomable love that He has for me. I definitely know the importance of being led by the Spirit and allowing Him to lead me has caused a tremendous change in my behavior and lifestyle. I pray that I will continue to have a hunger and a thirst for God's word and will for my life so that I won't go astray or allow Satan to taunt me with things from my past.
--Stephanie

2006-10-31 21:42:13 GMT

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		Pastor Baker's Daily Devotional

		Entry for October 31, 2006 Daily Reading: Judges chapters 9 thru 12 Key Verses: Judges 9:1-5 Power can either be used wisely for the greater good or it can be abused for selfish gain. Abimelech was Gideon's (Jerubbaal) son. He was the son of Gideon's Schechem concubine. I imagine he was not regarded as a legitimate son of the great Gideon. Gideon had seventy sons that were regarded as part of his lineage. This fact probably caused strife among the sons of Gideon. This effect was so great that it drove Abimelech's personality and his need for power, control and significance. Gideon's death provided the perfect opportunity for Abimelech to make his move. As the people of Schechem were relatives of Abimelech, it was easy for him to convince them to allow him, as member of Jerubbaal's family, to rule over them. Since he was the least of the household, he probably caught his brothers totally off guard with his strategic attack. Once Abimelech tasted power, the power took control of his entire being. Everyone was at his mercy and no one was safe. He conquered. He killed. He destroyed. He protected his power at all costs. Nothing but death could stop him. Finally, that is what happened. A lot of tyrannical leaders started their lives in difficult, sometimes tragic circumstances. Their early life shaped their behavior. It is important that we use discernment when we submit to someone who has authority over us, whether it is a boss, a spiritual leader or a potential mate. We all have a lot of baggage. Different people deal with their baggage in different ways. The most dangerous people are those who refuse to admit their issues and never deal with them. Many people have gotten into situations, marriages, churches, and work environments that were toxic due to the leadership. The lesson from Abimelech is two-fold: Our baggage can determine our actions. Also, allow the Spirit direct you in your relationships. 2006-10-31 16:22:50 GMT Comments (2 total) Author:Anonymous I remember how many times I made relational decisions based on appearances. The combination of my baggage and lack of discernment allowed for a lot of hurt in my life. It's funny because I can think back and see how the deceptive appearances changed as I started to mature. At one point (probably in my early 20's), my judgments were somewhat shallow based totally on outward appearance (I think I stayed away from folk that may have looked rough around the edges). Later, I was deceived by people who appeared spiritual. I thought I was looking deeper, but I was not looking deep enough. One day I hope when people see me that the baggage will be gone and they will only see Christ. --Aundrea Baker <mailto:abaker@thewaybiblefellowship.org> 2006-10-31 16:32:19 GMT Author:Anonymous As a child I experienced a form of abuse that many people have fallen victim to and find difficult to recover from. Most of them turn to lives of promiscuity or become abusers themselves as a result of what happened in their childhood. I can honestly say that what I experienced caused me to make some really bad choices in relationships, which in turn, brought about a great deal of pain and anguish. However, I thank God for allowing me to see what I am to Him and reassure me that I don't have to partake of certain activities to receive love because of the unfathomable love that He has for me. I definitely know the importance of being led by the Spirit and allowing Him to lead me has caused a tremendous change in my behavior and lifestyle. I pray that I will continue to have a hunger and a thirst for God's word and will for my life so that I won't go astray or allow Satan to taunt me with things from my past. --Stephanie 2006-10-31 21:42:13 GMT Site Home