Judges 9:7 - When Jotham was told about this, he climbed up on
the top of Mount Gerizim and shouted to them, “Listen to me, citizens of
Shechem, so that God may listen to you.
Jotham had
escaped from being the 71st victim of the evil mind of Abimelech.
All of his other brothers were unfairly murdered so that Abimelech could be
king. Jotham came out of hiding to stand on a tall mountain …to shout to the
people who had been tricked by the new king how crazy they were to allow it.
It must have been
hard for Jotham to even come out of hiding…let alone position himself so that
the whole town was drawn to come listen to him.
He chose to make his first points with a story… then explained the
meaning to each one that would listen.
I am reminded by
his wisdom to hide that there is a time to be quite and retreat to God for
guidance and direction. I am also reminded that sometimes God ends our retreat
of time with him with a call to speak out against the acts around us we know
are not done with the love of God.
I admit that it
is hard to know the difference sometimes.
I am very guilty of retreating way too long sometimes… even though I
know that God is in control…I let fear hold me back from standing on that
mountain and speaking to those that would listen. I needed the reminder to stay
so connected with God that the world is not able to influence me too easily…so
that when it is time to move and speak out for God’s way of pure love…I will be
ready...excited…as soon as he gives the order.
Father…thank you
for the reminder that you are always there for me to run to for comfort and
protection. Forgive me for the times that I let my heart take advantage of the
feeling of warmth and love your presence provides by keeping it all to
myself. Help me to listen better to the
calling of your spirit to speak out and share your love. amen.
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