“So all the trees said to the bramble, ‘You come and reign over us.’ And the bramble said to the trees, ‘If in good faith you are anointing me king over you, then come and take refuge in my shade; but if not, let fire come out of the bramble and devour the cedars of Lebanon.’” Judges 9:15

Jotham, the youngest of 70 seventy sons of Gideon, the only one to survive a murderous massacre carried out by Abimelech, a son of Gideon whose mother was Gideon’s concubine, is speaking to the town council of Shechem, who have made Abimelech king. Verse 15 is at the end of a Parable about trees searching for a king. In earlier verses the olive tree, fig tree and grape vine have been invited to serve as king, all have politely turned down the offer to continue doing what they are created to do, produce olives, figs and wine. The bramble accepts the offer. But notice what the bramble says, “If in good faith you are anointing me king over you, then come and take refuge in my shade …” In the shade of the bramble there is no freedom to live, move about, one who enters in the bramble is stuck by the vines, branches, thorns and briars. Be careful who/what one ask to be your king, your ruler for idols, false gods and sin when entrap the one who enters in. O Lord on this Good Friday, reveal to me, those who read this and all others, anything that has enticed me, anything that is bramble for me that keeps me from life with You. Forgive me for ever considering the bramble(s) that beckon and entice to be my god and sent You to the cross. Forgive me Father for I have sinned. Thank you Lord Jesus for Your sacrifice!