Humble leadership

Judges 9:7-15
Now when they told Jotham, he went and stood on top of Mount Gerizim, and lifted his voice and cried out. And he said to them:
“Listen to me, you men of Shechem,
That God may listen to you!
8 “The trees once went forth to anoint a king over them.
And they said to the olive tree,
‘Reign over us!’
9 But the olive tree said to them,
‘ Should I cease giving my oil,
With which they honor God and men,
And go to sway over trees?’
10 “Then the trees said to the fig tree,
‘You come and reign over us!’
11 But the fig tree said to them,
‘ Should I cease my sweetness and my good fruit,
And go to sway over trees?’
12 “Then the trees said to the vine,
‘You come and reign over us!’
13 But the vine said to them,
‘ Should I cease my new wine,
Which cheers both God and men,
And go to sway over trees?’
14 “Then all the trees said to the bramble,
‘You come and reign over us!’
15 And the bramble said to the trees,
‘If in truth you anoint me as king over you,
Then come and take shelter in my shade;
But if not, let fire come out of the bramble
And devour the cedars of Lebanon!’

I don't remember ever reading this parable... but I like it.
The temptation to have visible, tangible strength and security was often the downfall to Israel. They desired a human king rather than a Divine King. They preferred the "shade" of relief rather than the "fruit" of provision and blessing. The people were short-sited and faithless. If only they knew how God views authority and power. Jesus said in Matthew 20:26-27, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,"
We must beware of those who Lord and hoard authority, who desire power and greatness. We must hold our own motives in check also. God delights in trees that produce fruit (John 15). He will provide the relief and protection we desire if we are faithful to produce the fruit He desires.

Father - humble me and bless me to desire to produce fruit. Amen.