THE TREES WANT A KING?

“Now, when they told Jotham, he went and stood on the top of Mount Gerizim, and lifted his voice and called out.  Thus he said to them, ‘Listen to me, O men of Shechem, that God may listen to you.

“’Once the trees went forth to anoint a king over them, and they said to the olive tree, ‘Reign over us!’  But the olive tree said to them, ‘Shall I leave my fatness with which God and men are honoured, and go to wave over the trees?’

“’Then the trees said to the fig tree, ‘You come, reign over us!’  But the fig tree said to them, ‘Shall I leave my sweetness and my good fruit, and go to wave over the trees?’

Then the trees said to the vine, ‘You come, reign over us!’  But the vine said to them, ‘Shall I leave my new wine, which cheers God and men, and go to wave over the trees?’

“Finally all the trees said to the bramble, ‘you come reign over us!’  And the bramble said to the trees, ‘If in truth you are anointing me as king over you, come and take refuge in my shade; but if not, may fire come out from the bramble and consume the cedars of Lebanon.’” Judges 9:7-15

You know, Jesus was not the only One who used parables to get His point across in the Bible.  First, God did not want His people to have a king over them, because He was their King. 

Jotham wanted to warn the people that choosing a king, especially, Abimelech was a big mistake!  He was clearly someone who only wanted power but would would never know how to use it wisely. 

Power has a way of corrupting a person’s intentions (even if they were good to begin with).  This is especially true if the power is inherited.  The people of Israel were overly eager to have a king so they could be like the nations they were travelling through.  Jotham’s message was gentle enough and yet clear enough for them to rethink this decision – unfortunately, not for long.

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, who still prays for you each morning.  Darlene

PS:  Please pray for this ministry.  This is the 20^th year of endeavouring to serve others in His name to offer a smattering of Scripture daily.  Find my statement of faith by clicking (or cut and paste this link into your Web browser):  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com   You can find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for “WeakDay Devotion”  (Also, there is a “Google Blogger” App you can download to read them on your phone.)

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·       New:  Sue and Grant –  Sue’s father just passed away, unexpectantly.  She and her husband, Grant, have been caring for both her parents for many years.  Both were living in an assisted-living facility and Sue spent the day comforting her mother.  Please pray for strength, compassion and wisdom for Sue and Grant as they deal with the practical, personal and emotional issues.
• ·        Patti’s best friend – her father, a WWII Veteran, just passed away right before his 93^rd birthday.  Thankfully, she had a week of precious time with him and shared:  ‘He is Home on the 4th - precious liberty!’ and that he was looking into her eyes as she sang hymns to him.  She lost her Mom (88) this past January, too.  She had been travelling back and forth (four hours each way) to care for them for the last four years.  Pray for her comfort and hope at this time.
• ·        UPDATE - Robin age 52, recently diagnosed with breast cancer, had her first of a six week series of five-days-a-week radiation treatment last week (after her lumpectomy).  Pray for her strength and for those who are supporting her at this time.  
• ·        Simon Flinders (my pastor) and family – are now on long-service leave.   Please pray for the refreshment and strengthening of family bonds and that the family enjoys time to focus on the love of their Saviour and all the gifts and blessings He has provided them.
• ·        Jen – my sweet friend in the UK, doctors found a blood clot. She must rest.  Her heart is troubled though, as her precious companion dog, Honey, is also growing very frail. 
• ·        Doris (my second Mom) - now 100 – has rallied and is back to her enthusiastic-for-the-Lord self.  Pray for Patti, her daughter, as she remains so faithful in sacrificing time and making the effort to always demonstrate God’s love to her precious mother.  Doris (and her husband, Owen, now waiting for Doris in Heaven) both prayed faithfully to bring me to the foot of the Cross. 
• ·        Paul –Has not had paying work since 2010.  Please pray for his ongoing resilience and that the Lord would allow him to be successful with a role.  I know the Lord is watching over him because of your prayers.  Most of all, pray his heart melts enough for the Truth to touch him where it hurts.  Pray for my wisdom and patience as he continues to stay here.
• ·        USA – that the Lord would demonstrate His power in unexpected and uniting way during these times of unrest and confusion.  Help hearts settle and rest in Him alone.  And let the truth of God’s Word and ways overcome the drive to destroy our founding values.
• ·        Sergio – lost his job and is now looking again.  He was recently diagnosed with adult-onset diabetes.  Was living with his brother, but has been asked to move out, leaving him homeless.  
• ·        Toron – finishing his high school studies needs your prayers for continued strength, focus and confidence, especially with maths.

Pray for those in full-time service for the Lord