Day 76

Foolish People

Read: Judges 9-11

What a foolish man Abimelech was! He did not follow the wise decision of his father not to become king; instead he became king at the price of shedding much innocent blood. And how did he end? He was killed when a woman dropped a heavy stone on his head.

And how foolish were the people of Shechem to choose such a man as their ruler! It is not surprising that there was a falling out between them and Abimelech, leading to the destruction of the city.

And how foolish was Jephthah! He was a rough character, but yet he was chosen to lead Israel against the enemy. He was foolish to promise to sacrifice whatever first came out of his home when he returned victoriously. How sad he was when what emerged to greet him was his own beloved daughter! There are those who try to make the story less repulsive by saying he required her to be a virgin all her life. No, the evidence is that he kept his vow, and sacrificed her. Those were crude and cruel days, and it does us no good to try to think otherwise. The Bible makes this clear.

It is wise to do what is right and good. It is foolish to live sinfully, ignoring the wise instructions of God. What tragic results of all kinds, in the lives of so many people who want their own way instead of the lordship of Jesus Christ!

PRAYER
Father, work powerfully by your Spirit so many may turn to your Son and experience the good life of knowing him. Amen.