Thorns In a Nation's Side

Sermon OverviewScripture Reference: Judges 9:8-15The crisis of our nation concerns leadership. We are in desperate need of good, godly leadership.Judges 9:8-15 tells the story of a pitiful politician and a nation in disarray. This passage addresses the three thorns in a nation’s side, and the way to righteous leadership.The first thorn is the apostasy of an unthankful people.In Judges 8, God brought confusion into the camps of Israel’s enemies and gave His people a mighty victory. Yet, just one chapter later, the Israelites had already forgotten Him and turned to other gods. (See Judges 8:33.)This is more than just an issue of immorality—it is apostasy. This blatant act of turning from God is still happening today. Profanity is normalized and our children are desensitized; nothing shocks us anymore. Sin is socially acceptable, and godliness is stigmatized. The fixed standard of morality is long gone; it is only going to get filthier.The second thorn is the arrogance of an ungodly leader.In Judges 9, Abimelech rises with an unholy ambition to lead Israel. He builds a coalition, buys his constituents, and brutalizes his competition. His government was built on blood. However, he also had himself inaugurated with a show of religion. He tried to associate himself with godly things to fool others.There are some politicians who follow this pattern, who would build their campaigns on deception.Abimelech’s charade was accomplished through the apathy of uncommitted bystanders, which is the third thorn of the nation.As Edmond Burke says, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” When we buy into the niceties and luxuries of the sweet-talking politicians, we will find it difficult to root out the brambles of their unmet responsibilities. We must examine our leaders’ intentions with thought and care.Despite the despair of these passages, there was hope for Israel, just like there is hope for us.Adrian Rogers says, “The Book of Judges is not just what God has said; it is what God is saying.”God would rather forgive than judge. Even though our national sins are egregious, He is still a God of mercy; we must never lose hope for revival and restoration in our nation.Apply it to your lifePray for revival in our nation today, beginning with you; pray for God to raise up leaders who live to serve Him.