The Heaton File

Tuesday Morning Early Start – Important Doctrines

Do not let your adornment be merely outward–arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel–rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. (1 Peter 3:3-4)

Is Modesty Legislated

It is always with trepidation the subject of modesty is approached. In every generation the people of God must deal with what is modest and what is immodest. With each examination of the subject cultural views, personal opinions and clear agendas cloud the issue. For some a very strict code of modesty is imposed. Among many there does not seem to be any guidelines. Often it is remarked that trying to say how short is short and how long is long is unfair and must we pull out the measuring tape to determine the appropriate level of modesty? The conclusion is then given that modesty is only an opinion and we are left without teaching on the subject.

The danger in believing modesty is unregulated is to accept the belief that God has not given His word on the matter. Everything that pertains to life and godliness is found within the text of His fully revealed word including the subject of modesty. There is nothing in life that cannot be answered without spending time revealing the nature of how the Holy Spirit has spoken on the matter. Society does not govern whether something is modest or not – the Holy Spirit does. It may have been the case a century ago that revealing the ankle was considered risqué but that is not the meaning of modesty. Nor does it suggest that while the world today accepts the lack of clothing as acceptable that modesty is governed by the whims of modern man.

Modesty is regulated within the pages of God’s word. The Bible is the only book that outlines the measures of modesty in keeping with the character of God’s people. A Christian is a set apart person. They are not to measure their modesty by history, the present fashions of acceptability nor the agenda of a preacher or eldership. It must come from the word of God and the word of God alone. It is interesting how often modesty is discussed with closed Bibles. How can this be? If you want to know whether you are dressing in a modest manner – in keeping with your relationship with Jesus Christ – read the Book. And when someone teaches on the subject using the Bible as the guide book for admonishing clearer judgment on the matter then study the Book and make changes that reflect the character of God’s people.

Here is where we must all begin: “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). And that came right out of the Bible.

Monday Morning Coffee Break – Life With Jesus

Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. (Matthew 21:1-2)

The Donkey And The White Horse

Horses were not as common for daily use as was the donkey. Reserved for war the horse was a symbol of conflict. As Jesus approached Jerusalem with only days left in His ministry, He did not want to show the world He had come to bring war but peace. It was common for the donkey to be used as a symbol of peace as people lined the roads laying their clothes down in honor of the triumphal entry. Branches would also be laid in the road giving glory for the one honored. What a scene of conflict this must have been for Jesus as the people shouted “Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest” and within a short time the crowds would scream “Crucify Him, crucify Him!”

His final trip to Jerusalem ended with His death at Golgotha. The disciples were scattered as the Jewish leaders scowled with hatred watching their enemy die a most horrible death. Peace would come to man on the first day of the week when Jesus rose from the dead. This time it would not be on a donkey but a horse. The apostle John in the Revelation describes Jesus triumphal entry on the pages of God’s word as riding a “white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses” (Revelation 19:11-14). The King of Kings and Lord of Lords brought final victory when He entered Jerusalem on a donkey with palm leaves of peace and left Jerusalem on a white horse having victory over death, Hades and Satan.

Thank God for peace and war. Thank God Jesus brings peace to man and war to Satan. Thank God for the common animal who symbolized peace and the fierce creature who symbolized victory. Thank God He raised His Son from the dead and gave all of us a peace that passes understanding guarding our hearts and minds and assured us of victory over death with a white horse and Him who sat upon it.

Saturday Morning Promises – Great Stories

Many people shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. (Isaiah 2:3)

The Greatest Story Of All

We have been spending our time on Saturdays looking at various stories from the Bible. This book is filled to the brim with stories of love, hate, intrigue, revenge, compassion, heroism, failure, wars, miracles – every category known to man is in this book. It is important to remember the stories in the Bible are real people living in real time experiencing real events with real consequences good or bad. The Bible is a book of reality.

The ‘Bible’ received its name from the Greek word “BIBLIA” meaning “books” (diminutive from bı́blos, the inner bark of the papyrus). Written by forty different men over 1400 years it has become a collection of books from Moses writing the first five books to the apostle John’s revelation. Hebrew, Chaldean and Koine Greek were the languages of the original text. Jesus refers to the Old Testament (the same books we have today) as the “Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms” (Luke 24:44). The Bible was divided into chapters by Stephen Langton about 1228, the Old Testament was divided into verses by R. Nathan in 1448 and the New Testament by Roberts Stephanus in 1551. The entire Bible divided into chapters and verses first appeared in the Geneva Bible in 1560.

What is the greatest story in the Bible? The Bible is its own great story. Filled with stories it becomes the greatest story ever told. Early man had the stories of creation and the flood handed down through generations by word of mouth. Moses began the collection of books in writing the Pentateuch (Genesis – Deuteronomy). Through the centuries inspired men wrote books of law, history, poetry and revelation. When we pick up a Bible today we are picking up a message that is as old as the earth – in fact older.

If you are looking for a good story to read then you have come to a story no man could write. Guided by the Holy Spirit the pens of men inscribed upon the centuries of time the greatest story – His name is Jesus. The book of Genesis is about the Christ. Exodus permeates with the will of the Lord. In every book of the Bible the central figure is Jesus Christ. The Old Testament is not about the Jews but the Savior they rejected. Filling the pages of the New Testament the Son of God burst upon the scene of humanity showing His love in His death. The Bible may be a collection of sixty-six books but it is one book with one story.

What is remarkable about the Bible is that if you lived as long as Adam (930 years) you will still not glean all the kernels of truth found in this great story. Do not let that discourage you. Let it challenge you. Learn all you can about the story from Creation to the “surely I am coming quickly” of the Revelation. Put things in place in time. Learn the story of the Bible and you will never be the same person. Get to know the characters, the places, the events, the stories, the message and your life will be filled with hope and peace.

Today is a great day to read a great story. Read the Bible.

Friday Morning Reflections – Wisdom Literature

Behold, God is great, and we do not know Him; nor can the number of His years be discovered. For He draws up drops of water, which distill as rain from the mist, which the clouds drop down and pour abundantly on man. Indeed, can anyone understand the spreading of clouds, the thunder from His canopy? Look, He scatters His light upon it, and covers the depths of the sea. For by these He judges the peoples; He gives food in abundance. He covers His hands with lightning, and commands it to strike. His thunder declares it, the cattle also, concerning the rising storm. At this also my heart trembles, and leaps from its place. Hear attentively the thunder of His voice, and the rumbling that comes from His mouth. He sends it forth under the whole heaven, His lightning to the ends of the earth. After it a voice roars; He thunders with His majestic voice, and He does not restrain them when His voice is heard. God thunders marvelously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend. For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth’; likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength. He seals the hand of every man, that all men may know His work. The beasts go into dens, and remain in their lairs. From the chamber of the south comes the whirlwind, and cold from the scattering winds of the north. By the breath of God ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen. Also with moisture He saturates the thick clouds; He scatters His bright clouds. And they swirl about, being turned by His guidance, that they may do whatever He commands them on the face of the whole earth. He causes it to come, whether for correction, or for His land, or for mercy. Listen to this, O Job; stand still and consider the wondrous works of God. Do you know when God dispatches them, and causes the light of His cloud to shine? Do you know how the clouds are balanced, those wondrous works of Him who is perfect in knowledge? Why are your garments hot, when He quiets the earth by the south wind? With Him, have you spread out the skies, strong as a cast metal mirror? Teach us what we should say to Him, for we can prepare nothing because of the darkness. Should He be told that I wish to speak? If a man were to speak, surely he would be swallowed up. Even now men cannot look at the light when it is bright in the skies, when the wind has passed and cleared them. He comes from the north as golden splendor; with God is awesome majesty. As for the Almighty, we cannot find Him; He is excellent in power, in judgment and abundant justice; He does not oppress. Therefore men fear Him; He shows no partiality to any who are wise of heart. (Job 36:26-37:24)

Florida Rain Storms

It is Friday morning in central Florida and once again the skies pour forth an abundance of rain. The past few weeks have been saturated with daily rain, lightning and thunder. For many it is an inconvenience and for some troublesome as the clouds of rain pour forth rivers of water through the streets. Florida thunderstorms are a thing of beauty. The rain will begin softly but then explode with a fury as the skies light up and thunder like a kettle drum booms through the heavens often shaking the earth below. A calm will descend but only for a short time as the storm increases in ferocity. These storms can be deadly and destructive. No matter what men try to do in defending themselves from the onslaught the storms have their way. But they are a thing of beauty.

Elihu was the silent presence during the discussions of Job and his friends. We do not know this young man is present until he finally has enough of the way his four friends try to understand the meaning of God and he respectfully rebukes Job and the others. Elihu reminds these men how great the Lord is and how benevolent God has always been. It seems the four men have forgotten the strength and power of the Almighty even in matters pertaining to Job and his plight. During this rebuke the young man declares how majestic God is in nature. He covers His hands with lightning, and commands it to strike. His thunder declares it, the cattle also, concerning the rising storm. At this also my heart trembles, and leaps from its place. Elihu gets scared during these storms but he knows where the storms come from.

The storms of nature should remind us how great God is and small we are. Whether in summer or winter we stand at the mercy of the weather. There is much we have done to overcome certain elements of nature but often we are reminded of their power. Bridges collapse, towns are flooded, communities destroyed, and sadly many lives lost to the fury of natural flows of water, wind and fire. Elihu says, “Teach us what we should say to Him, for we can prepare nothing because of the darkness.” Be safe in the storms today. See the glory of God in these storms. Stand in awe of His power manifested in the world. Learn how great He is and how much He loves us. Worship Him. Teach children not to fear the storm but to see God in every part. What a beautiful day it will be today.

Thursday Morning Thankfulness – Epistles of Paul

For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10)

The Power Of The Gospel

One of the first impressions I had as a young child from the preachers of my day was the emphasis upon the power of the gospel. There seemed to be a lot of Romans 1:16 going around and in almost all the gospel meetings and frequently from the pulpit would come the clarion call of the “dunamis” of the gospel. It was more often illustrated as ‘dynamite’ how the gospel would destroy the wisdom of men. The message of Christ would turn hearts to the good news of salvation. Not sure we hear much power from many pulpits anymore.

The gospel is an amazing thing (understatement I know). Paul commends the saints in Thessalonica because their transformation was a little more remarkable than many. Throughout the cities of Rome idolatry was on every corner in an ancient form of media blitz permeating every part of Roman life. Statues lined the streets filling the market places with their wares and life was governed by the will of the gods. Politics was guided by the corruptible images of glory (not much changed there), education was based upon idolatry and morality was governed by the will of self-worship (again not much changed). What the saints at Thessalonica did was to walk away from all of this. That was truly a remarkable thing to do.

There are many honest hearts in the world seeking truth. It is easy to look at a Muslim without any hope of teaching them the truth. Yet my son-in-law is now preaching the gospel of Christ when not many years ago he was a follower of the Koran. Recently a friend mentioned someone who once embraced the Mormon doctrine of Joseph Smith had obeyed the true gospel of Christ. I have wonderful brethren in my life who once served the Pope and dogmas of the Catholic Church but now see clearly the truly revealed word of God. There are those who have been alcohol free for many years with their lives changed by the gospel of Christ. Women who sold their bodies are now praising God in salvation. The gospel is powerful. It can change the heart of any man who is willing to let the gospel change their heart.

It can change you too. Let the word of Christ dwell in you and your life will never be the same. You and I may not have as tall a hurdle to overcome as others but we all must overcome sin. The gospel is the only way to do that. Praise God for the ‘dunamis’ of His word.

Wednesday Morning Meditation – Psalms

Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings, From the wicked who oppress me, From my deadly enemies who surround me. (Psalms 17:8-9)

The Apple Of His Eye

“Of all the organs of the body the eye is the most delicate and precious, and is protected by the most wonderful and elaborate contrivances. The eyes are the sentinels of the body, and keep constant guard over it. They are the windows through which the soul looks out upon all things within its range. They are closely connected with the brain, and by a mysterious telegraphy of nerves convey to the brain knowledge of what is passing in the outer world. The eyes are like citizens within the entrenchments of a fortified town, surrounded by outworks, fences, and barricades. And the arms are like two warders to defend them. Note some of their protections. A protruding socket, like a wall around it: with overhanging brow to carry off drops of perspiration; with eyelashes to guard against dust and insects; with lids that automatically close at the approach of danger; with glands which secrete tears that clean and lubricate the ball of the eye; with beds, cushion like for their softness, upon which they repose and revolve with safety. All these and many more show how carefully God keeps the apple of the eye, and help us to see how David desired that God would keep him.” (F. W. Brown)

The sweet psalmist of Israel knew how to paint a picture of God’s beauty more than anyone. Psalm 17 is a text of thanksgiving for the watchful eye of the Lord upon His saints. How wonderful to know that we are loved and protected by our Father as precious the eye is to the whole body. The organs of the body have their peculiar placement as each part of the human frame testifies to the power of God’s creation. Eyes have such a vital role in the completeness of the perfection found in fleshly design. David understood the precious nature of the eye and immersed himself in the knowledge the Lord looked upon his frail spirit as the apple of His eye.

Our God is not an impersonal God. He knows us and cares for us. He is not to be viewed as some tyrant ruling from a throne of anger and revenge but as a benevolent Father who lovingly cares for His children. There is discipline from the Father but His tones are always given with love. I am the apple of His eye. You are the apple of His eye. He cares for me each day. He knows my hurt, my pain, my suffering and my needs. His love for me protects me from the evil one. His Spirit guides me through valleys of darkness because I am the apple of His eye. We share in the family of God a Father who loves beyond any measure of love found among men.

A fire sweeps across the parched ground consuming all in its path. A mother bird shields her babies from the raging fire with her protective wings. When the fire subsides the mother has given her life to protect the ones she loves. Unscathed the little ones scamper out from under the wings. Love protected those she loved from harm. We abide under the mighty wings of God. Sin ravaged through the world and with the blood of His only begotten Son the Father shows His love in protecting us. That protection continues today. He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to bear and if we abide under His wing we will overcome. It feels so good to be under His wing.

The apple of His eye and the protection of His wings. What a day today is going to be. “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6)

Tuesday Morning Early Start – Important Doctrines

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

The Power In Us

There is so much God can and will do for us. He has created a world that testifies to His incredible power. The heavens declare His glory. Holding the breath of life in His hand Jehovah shows all living beings how we depend upon His mercy, grace and love for existence. He determines our habitation and limitations. The gift of Jesus Christ is the fully revealed character of His love for man. No great gift, no greater sacrifice, no imagination of man can equal the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on a cross of wood. Our God is able to do more than we imagine. Paul writes in our text that He is not only able; He is able to do exceedingly more; and not only that – he is able to do exceedingly abundantly more; going beyond even this measure of greatness to do above all that we ask or think. Now that is beyond anything we can think of. Praise God for His powerful glory.

In the face of all of this power there is a catch! All that God can do, is willing to do and offers man from His treasure-trove of grace to do – it comes down to what is inside of me. The blessings of the Almighty are waiting to be used but only if we allow the power to work in us. There are two sides of this dilemma. The power of God is of no profit if we do not use it; yet if we use it what great things we can do. In our superhero minds we want to be able to leap tall buildings, be faster than a speeding bullet and have power greater than a locomotive. Imagine (in a spiritual setting) how ‘superhero’ kind of life we would live if we embrace the power promised by the Lord. He is able to do abundantly above all that we ask or think but it must come down to my choosing to serve Him with this power.

I can defeat Satan and make him run. Death does not have dominion over my thoughts. Life is sweet because my home is in Heaven. The troubles of life are many but pale in comparison to the glory revealed in Jesus Christ. I understand more than the ancients. My life is filled with hope and promise. The measure of life is guarded by the eternal truths revealed in His word. Sickness will not defeat me. Discouragement will not overcome my life. I will be emboldened to stand firm on the promises of God because if He is for me who can be against me? When I fail He forgives me. When I stumble He picks me up. He cares about me and wants me to live in His grace. His mercy bathes my soul with peace. Like a shepherd He leads me beside still waters restoring my soul. My God loves me.

Today on the third day of a busy week infuse the power of God in your life and live today with the knowledge that He is able to do so much more with you today. Make today a day of power for God. Let your light shine as a bright beacon of hope in a world filled with darkness. Power. It is working in me today!

Monday Morning Coffee Break – Life With Jesus

At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him. Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.” (Mark 1:32-38)

Keeping Up With Jesus

The ministry of Jesus lasted less than three years. Nothing is known of His life from age twelve to thirty. Working as a carpenter’s son along with His brothers and sisters the Lord would have had full days of hard work. Joseph and Mary were the common class of the poor making a living in Nazareth. The greatest wealth they ever had was the gifts from the wise men when Jesus was just a child. These funds were most likely used to pay for the time spent in Egypt. In most families hard work and long hours was the norm.

Looking at the life of Jesus during His ministry shows the grueling schedule the Lord kept. He did not have a Day-Planner to make appointments or a secretary to arrange His day. He had a work to do and He exerted tremendous energy to get as much done as possible before what He knew was coming – the cross.

Take our text for example. He spends all evening with everyone from town healing their sick and casting out demons. That would be exhausting at best. The whole city was at His door begging Him to heal them or take away infirmities. Everyone clamoring for their turn and Jesus taking time for each person to soothe, comfort and heal. How weary He must have been.

He did not sleep in the next day. In the morning He awakens very early and goes out to pray by Himself. What did He pray about? Did He talk about each person the evening before and their needs to the Father? Was the prayer about His work and how difficult the work was? Healing all those people could be a temptation for Jesus as Satan continued to barrage Him with his wiles. He did not sleep long that night as morning came early. But then His disciples came looking for Him.

Peter arose in the morning and noticed Jesus was not there. “Now where did He go,” Simon muttered. Everyone wanted to know where the healer had gone and a search was begun. Sometime later the Lord was found in His solitary place praying. My question to Peter (and the rest) is why would you want to disturb the Lord when He is alone and praying? But they did. Before breakfast could be served people wanted Jesus to serve them. Instead the Lord tells Peter we must go to the next town and preach. No rest. No respite. No quiet morning of prayer. Back to work and preaching and preaching and preaching. Jesus had a busy schedule. And that is why He came. To spend His life doing the will of the Father.

He was weary but he kept on. The crowds continued coming and He took time for each one. His day was filled with an exhausting list of things to do and all for the glory of His Father. Rest would not come until after the most horrific day in the life of any man. He would die on the cross. It was in that final moment He could look up at His Father and say, “It is finished.” The incredible busy life of Jesus had come to an end and when He bowed His head and died He found rest. Thank you Jesus for the life you gave in service to the Father and the salvation of my soul. Thank you for how hard You worked to give me rest.

Sunday Morning Starters – Worship

Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. (1 Corinthians 11:27-29)

A Day Of Examination

One of the joys of the first day of the week is the time we spend in the Lord’s Supper. As people of God we assemble to worship the One who died on a cross for my sins. Looking at Jesus in His frail form of humility suffering intense pain is moving for the image of what He did for me. Before His death the Lord established the memorial of His love as an essential part of our worship each first day of the week. Today we gather to partake of the supper. Among many things it is a time of examination.

In his letter to Corinth Paul admonishes the early church to remember the focus of the Lord’s Supper. It was not a time to play with babies, talk to a neighbor, mindlessly go through the activities of the day – it was a time of memorial. He declares that eating in an unworthy manner would bring judgment. The taking of the supper shows the death of Jesus and the reality of His return. Examination is an element of the Lord’s Supper when we look within ourselves in the testing of our character.

Albert Barnes writes, “Let him search and see if … he has true repentance for his sins; true faith in the Lord Jesus; and a sincere desire to live the life of a Christian, and to be like the Son of God, and be saved by the merits of his blood. Let him examine himself, and see whether he have the right feelings of a communicant, and can approach the table in a proper manner.” It is examination time.

Worship must be true. Today when we gather to remember the love of Christ in the Supper let us immerse ourselves in His grace examining our hearts for who we are and what we are before His Father. Go to the cross and look upon the Savior who died for the sins of all men. Hear His whispered melodies of suffering. Smell the stench of man’s sin taken upon the Lamb of God that day. Look in your heart and see who you are and what you are. Worship changes people. Let our worship of the dying Savior change our life today. Examine yourself.

Saturday Morning Promises – Great Stories

Today’s devotional is taken from the book of Judges. It comes after the story of Gideon in the tumultuous times of Israel without a king. This is a story of murder, intrigue, deception, revenge and as always I look for something a little on the humorous side. Ultimately it is a story of God’s will being accomplished and reminding us that God’s vengeance belongs to Him and Him alone. Enjoy this great story:

RULE BY MURDER

Now Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem to his mother’s relatives and said to them and to the whole clan of his mother’s family, “Say in the ears of all the leaders of Shechem, ‘Which is better for you, that all seventy of the sons of Jerubbaal rule over you, or that one rule over you?’ Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.” And his mother’s relatives spoke all these words on his behalf in the ears of all the leaders of Shechem, and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.” And they gave him seventy pieces of silver out of the house of Baal-berith with which Abimelech hired worthless and reckless fellows, who followed him. And he went to his father’s house at Ophrah and killed his brothers the sons of Jerubbaal, seventy men, on one stone. But Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left, for he hid himself. And all the leaders of Shechem came together, and all Beth-millo, and they went and made Abimelech king, by the oak of the pillar at Shechem.

PARABLE OF THE TREES

When it was told to Jotham, he went and stood on top of Mount Gerizim and cried aloud and said to them, “Listen to me, you leaders of Shechem, that God may listen to you. The trees once went out 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 abundance, by which gods and men are honored, and go hold sway over the trees?’ And the trees said to the fig tree, ‘You come and reign over us.’ But the fig tree said to them, ‘Shall I leave my sweetness and my good fruit and go hold sway over the trees?’ And the trees said to the vine, ‘You come and reign over us.’ But the vine said to them, ‘Shall I leave my wine that cheers God and men and go hold sway over the trees?’ Then all the trees said to the bramble, ‘You come and reign over us.’ And the bramble said to the trees, ‘If in good faith you are anointing me king over you, then come and take refuge in my shade, but if not, let fire come out of the bramble and devour the cedars of Lebanon.’ “Now therefore, if you acted in good faith and integrity when you made Abimelech king, and if you have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house and have done to him as his deeds deserved–for my father fought for you and risked his life and delivered you from the hand of Midian, and you have risen up against my father’s house this day and have killed his sons, seventy men on one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his female servant, king over the leaders of Shechem, because he is your relative–if you then have acted in good faith and integrity with Jerubbaal and with his house this day, then rejoice in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you. But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech and devour the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo; and let fire come out from the leaders of Shechem and from Beth-millo and devour Abimelech.” And Jotham ran away and fled and went to Beer and lived there, because of Abimelech his brother.

BRAGGING WILL GET YOU IN TROUBLE

Abimelech ruled over Israel three years. And God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, and the leaders of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech, that the violence done to the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might come, and their blood be laid on Abimelech their brother, who killed them, and on the men of Shechem, who strengthened his hands to kill his brothers. And the leaders of Shechem put men in ambush against him on the mountaintops, and they robbed all who passed by them along that way. And it was told to Abimelech. And Gaal the son of Ebed moved into Shechem with his relatives, and the leaders of Shechem put confidence in him. And they went out into the field and gathered the grapes from their vineyards and trod them and held a festival; and they went into the house of their god and ate and drank and reviled Abimelech. And Gaal the son of Ebed said, “Who is Abimelech, and who are we of Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerubbaal, and is not Zebul his officer? Serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem; but why should we serve him? Would that this people were under my hand! Then I would remove Abimelech. I would say to Abimelech, ‘Increase your army, and come out.'”

WHERE IS YOUR MOUTH NOW?

When Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was kindled. And he sent messengers to Abimelech secretly, saying, “Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his relatives have come to Shechem, and they are stirring up the city against you. Now therefore, go by night, you and the people who are with you, and set an ambush in the field. Then in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, rise early and rush upon the city. And when he and the people who are with him come out against you, you may do to them as your hand finds to do.” So Abimelech and all the men who were with him rose up by night and set an ambush against Shechem in four companies. And Gaal the son of Ebed went out and stood in the entrance of the gate of the city, and Abimelech and the people who were with him rose from the ambush. And when Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, “Look, people are coming down from the mountaintops!” And Zebul said to him, “You mistake the shadow of the mountains for men.” Gaal spoke again and said, “Look, people are coming down from the center of the land, and one company is coming from the direction of the Diviners’ Oak.” Then Zebul said to him, “Where is your mouth now, you who said, ‘Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him?’ Are not these the people whom you despised? Go out now and fight with them.” And Gaal went out at the head of the leaders of Shechem and fought with Abimelech. And Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him. And many fell wounded, up to the entrance of the gate. And Abimelech lived at Arumah, and Zebul drove out Gaal and his relatives, so that they could not dwell at Shechem.

A CITY DESTROYED

On the following day, the people went out into the field, and Abimelech was told. He took his people and divided them into three companies and set an ambush in the fields. And he looked and saw the people coming out of the city. So he rose against them and killed them. Abimelech and the company that was with him rushed forward and stood at the entrance of the gate of the city, while the two companies rushed upon all who were in the field and killed them. And Abimelech fought against the city all that day. He captured the city and killed the people who were in it, and he razed the city and sowed it with salt.

THE FIERY INFERNO

When all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered the stronghold of the house of El-berith. Abimelech was told that all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem were gathered together. And Abimelech went up to Mount Zalmon, he and all the people who were with him. And Abimelech took an axe in his hand and cut down a bundle of brushwood and took it up and laid it on his shoulder. And he said to the men who were with him, “What you have seen me do, hurry and do as I have done.” So every one of the people cut down his bundle and following Abimelech put it against the stronghold, and they set the stronghold on fire over them, so that all the people of the Tower of Shechem also died, about 1,000 men and women.

KILLED BY A WOMAN

Then Abimelech went to Thebez and encamped against Thebez and captured it. But there was a strong tower within the city, and all the men and women and all the leaders of the city fled to it and shut themselves in, and they went up to the roof of the tower. And Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it and drew near to the door of the tower to burn it with fire. And a certain woman threw an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head and crushed his skull. Then he called quickly to the young man his armor-bearer and said to him, “Draw your sword and kill me, lest they say of me, ‘A woman killed him.'” And his young man thrust him through, and he died. And when the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, everyone departed to his home. Thus God returned the evil of Abimelech, which he committed against his father in killing his seventy brothers. And God also made all the evil of the men of Shechem return on their heads, and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal. (Judges 9)

Final note: Abimelech feared someone would find out he was killed by a woman (which was a disgrace). God preserves the story so that thousands of years later we still learn that he was killed by a woman.