Wed.’s Devo - A Turn of Events

Read: Judges 9:22-10:18; Luke 24:13-53; Psalm 100:1-5; Proverbs 14:11-12 The leaders of Shechem had agreed to let Abimelech kill Gideon’s sons and rule over them, but God was not pleased. After three years, God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem to punish them for killing Gideon’s sons. The leaders robbed from anyone coming their way and Abimelech found this out. *** A new man, Gaal, moved to Shechem and the leaders liked them. He hosted a huge party and didn’t invite Abimelech. At the party, Gaal told the men that if he was in charge, he would get rid of Abimelech. *** Zebul, the ruler of Shechem reported what Gaal had said to Abimelech. He suggested that Abimelech do a surprise attack against Gaal early the next morning. When Gaal came to the city that next day, he stood at the entrance of the gate of the city and told Zebul that it looked like people coming down from the mountaintops. Zebul told him it was just shadows so he would’t have time to stage a counterattack. *** When Abimelech’s men got close enough for Gaal to see who they really were, Zebul said, “Where is your mouth now, you who said, ‘Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him.’” Now, Gaal and his men had to fight them. Abimelech chased him and his men out of town and forbid them to live in Shechem. *** The next day, people in the city came out to the field and Abimelech ambushed them and killed them. He razed the city of Shechem and sowed it with salt. *** The leaders of the Tower of Shechem heard what had happened and had entered the stronghold of El-berith. Abimelech had his men gather brushwood and set it on fire, killing everyone in the tower. One thousand men and women died in the tower. *** Then Abimelech went to Thebes and captured it. The people fled to their tower for refuge. Abimelech was making a fire to burn it down like he had done in Shechem, but a woman threw a millstone down from the tower and it fell on Abimelech’s head, crushing his skull. He had his armor-bearer kill him so he wouldn’t die by the hand of a woman. *** Abimelech had reaped what he sowed and the curse of Jotham had come upon the men of Shechem for killing all the sons of Gideon. *** Another judge rose up to save Israel whose name was Tola from Issachar. He judged Israel for 23 years. *** Then Jair from Gilead judged Israel for 22 years. After him, Israel did evil and gave themselves to worship Baal, Ashtaroth, and the gods of the nations they were told to defeat. God was so angry, he gave them over to the Philistines who oppressed them for 18 years. *** They finally cried out to the Lord to save them, but the Lord was done with saving them. He told them to go cry out to the gods they had chosen to serve over him. When the Lord said this, the people got serious and put away their false gods and served the Lord. *** God saw their repentance and the oppression they were under. The Ammonites encamped in Gilead against the people of Israel. Israel’s leaders met at Mizpah and discussed finding a man to lead them to battle. *** In Luke, Jesus had died and rose from the dead. Two of the men, who were returning from the Passover, were on their way to Emmaus which was about 7 miles from Jerusalem. They were discussing the Passover and Jesus’ death on the cross. Jesus walked up beside them and asked them what they were talking about. *** The two men, told of how Jesus had died on the cross and they had thought he was the Messiah. Then, the women had found his tomb empty and angels told them that Jesus was alive. *** Jesus then told them what all the prophets, starting with Moses had said about this very day. When they arrived at Emmaus, they urged Jesus to come stay with them for the night. He agreed and as they sat to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. When he broke it and gave it to them, their eyes were opened and they recognized him. He suddenly disappeared. They were so excited they immediately got up and returned to Jerusalem to tell the disciples. *** As they were telling the disciples, Jesus appeared and stood with them. He told them not to be depressed, this was all part of the plan. He ate with them and explained through scripture what had happened and why. Now, they would be his witnesses to the world. But, they were to wait in the city until he gives them power from heaven. *** He led them out to Bethany and blessed them then departed and told them to meet him in Jerusalem. *** Lord, it is amazing how quickly you can turn our sorrow to joy. May we remember that everything works for the good for those who love the Lord and are called to his purposes.