S) "19 if then you have dealt in truth and integrity with Jerubbaal and his house this day, rejoice in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you."
Judges 9:19 (NASB)
O) These are the words of Jotham, the youngest, and only surviving, brother to Abimelech - the fratricidal "king" of Israel. Through conspiracy, Abimelech killed all of the sons of Gideon (Jerubbaal), and the his maternal relatives elected him as king. They elected him out of fear that one of the other 70 brothers might rise as king, or else all of the brothers might. They elected him out of greed, wanting their own on the throne. They did not elect him with sincerity (which is how the word "truth" could also be translated here).
A) Ultimately, this was somewhat rhetorical. Jotham knew they weren't sincere. But, his point was that, we can make bad decisions with right convictions. Ultimately, if my heart is right, I'll seek God before making decisions - at least the important ones. God's grace is still for me, because of the work of Jesus Christ, and that doesn't change or waver. That grace is evident when I make decisions with pure motives, that still miss God's mark. As a father, I pray that my kids will grow up to make godly, prayerful decisions. Second to that, I pray they make decisions based on their honest convictions. I believe it's the same with my Father in heaven and me.
P) Father, I know that You said, over and over in Your Word, that You desire honesty. I know You detest deceit. I also know that I cannot fool You. Even if there was purpose to being dishonest, it wouldn't even work. Beyond that, I desire to please You. Let me be honest with You, and reveal to me, convict me, when my heart is being dishonest about my motives for things. I know You have grace and mercy for me, because of what Your Son did. But, I also don't want to abuse that. I don't want to take it for granted, or as a license to make foolish decisions. Let me seek You first, and Your will, and Your way, always. If I am not hearing clearly, and I pray I do, but if I am not hearing You clearly, help me at least make the decision based on the honest convictions of my heart. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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