Coalitions Against God's Will

Verse:Judges 9:23 says, "God stirred up animosity between Abimelek and the citizens of Shechem so that they acted treacherously against Abimelek."

As we reflect on this passage, we see a powerful example of how coalitions formed against God's will ultimately lead to failure and loss. Abimelek, who had formed an alliance with the Shechemites, his maternal relatives, to become king, eventually saw this coalition turn against him. Despite initial success, Abimelek's alliance with the Shechemites ultimately ended in disaster, with both parties suffering greatly.

This passage serves as a reminder that any alliance or coalition formed against God's will is doomed to fail. When we seek to achieve our goals through means that are contrary to God's principles and values, we can expect to face consequences. Abimelek's story is a powerful illustration of this principle.

Abimelek's mistake was not just that he formed an alliance with the Shechemites, but that he did so in order to achieve his own selfish ambitions. He used his family ties to manipulate the Shechemites into supporting him, and he was willing to do whatever it took to become king, even if it meant killing his own brothers.

In the end, Abimelek's coalition with the Shechemites failed because it was built on a foundation of selfishness and deceit. When we seek to build alliances or coalitions that are contrary to God's will, we can expect to face similar consequences.

Prayer:

Dear God, help us to recognize the dangers of forming alliances or coalitions that are contrary to Your will. May we seek to build relationships and partnerships that are founded on Your principles and values. Give us the wisdom to discern when we are being tempted to compromise our values and principles in order to achieve our goals. May we always seek to follow Your leading and guidance in all that we do. Amen.