Contemplative Bible Reading

Judges 9:22-23 (New Living Translation)

22 After Abimelech had ruled over Israel for three years, 23 God sent a spirit that stirred up trouble between Abimelech and the leading citizens of Shechem, and they revolted.

This is part of the (hi)story of the Judges who ruled Israel before the kings. The fellow named Abimelech ruled three years—a pretty good run. Then there was a revolt. Why?

God sent a spirit that stirred up trouble between Abimelech and the leading citizens of Shechem.

Let’s see, God sent a spirit into the people of the land. Things turned out badly for Abimelech. God influenced politics and political rulers. Should God be doing things like this? I mean, let politics be left to the politicians, right? And who am I to question what God does? And who am I to say, “Well, God was in politics in that time and place, so I should be in politics here and now and start a revolt just like God.”

Uh, er, we can take this too far in many directions and cause more unrighteous trouble. Let’s be careful here folks.

Still, right here in black and white in front of us are the words, “God sent a spirit.” God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform. At some times in some places with some people, God guides political movements. We, or at least I, cannot judge when it is God acting or God allowing people to act or whatever other possibilities there are. We, especially I, can live a Christian life no matter what happens. That is my choice.