What lessons on leadership can we learn from Judges 9:45? The Verse under the Lens “Abimelech fought against the city that day, captured it, killed the people who were in it, and razed the city and sowed it with salt.” (Judges 9:45) Snapshot of Abimelech’s Leadership • Self-appointed king driven by ambition • Uses force and fear to gain and keep power • Destroys the very people he once claimed to lead • Leaves behind barren ground—both literally and morally Timeless Lessons on Leadership • Ambition without accountability breeds destruction – Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” • Authority is entrusted, never seized – Romans 13:1 reminds that “there is no authority except from God.” • Leaders who harm their people ultimately harm themselves – Galatians 6:7: “Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.” • Lasting influence is built by service, not intimidation – Mark 10:43: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” • Salt can preserve or sterilize; Abimelech chose sterilization – Matthew 5:13 calls believers “the salt of the earth,” meant to bring life, not barrenness. Contrasting Christ-like Leadership • Abimelech: takes life to secure a throne • Christ: gives life to secure His people (Mark 10:45) • Abimelech: rules through fear • Christ: leads through love (John 10:11) Putting It into Practice • Examine motives—ask whether goals serve God or self • Use power to protect, not exploit (1 Peter 5:2-3) • Measure success by the flourishing of those you lead, not the ground you conquer • Remember that leadership judged acceptable by the world may still stand condemned before God Takeaway Leadership that ignores God’s authority and the welfare of others ends in ruin; leadership patterned after Christ blesses both leader and people. |
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