The Malady of the Bramble Tree Leadership
There is a story in Judges chapter 9, that I feel needs to be brought to our attention occasionally. A wicked man, Abimelech, killed 70 men to ensure that he would be chosen king of Shechem. When the righteous Jotham, Gideon's youngest son, heard that Abimelech had indeed been appointed, he told a very vivid parable about the trees.
The trees were seeking a king and sought first to anoint the olive tree. The olive tree, which produces olive oil, is a symbol of anointing. The olive tree (leadership), though anointed, declined to be king for a seemingly good reason. Next the fig tree was approached. The fruitful but dispassionate fig tree (leadership) also refused. Eventually the grapevine was asked to serve, but he, being alive but somewhat religious, likewise declined.
The olive tree with its valuable oil, the fig tree with its sweet fruit, and the vine with its clusters that could be made into wine - all of them refused the honour.
They would each have to sacrifice something in order to reign, and they weren't prepared to make that sacrifice.
9 .. 'Should I quit producing the olive oil that blesses both God and people, just to wave back and forth over the trees?'
11 .. the fig tree also refused, saying, 'Should I quit producing my sweet fruit just to wave back and forth over the trees?'
13 But the grapevine replied, 'Should I quit producing the wine that cheers both God and people, just to wave back and forth over the trees?' NLT
Finally the trees requested the bramble (thorn bush), which has neither fruit nor fragrance, to become their king.
Jotham used the parable to make a point about the situation which he and God's people found themselves in.
This is the same predicament the Church at large faces. It seems to me that the trees showed good judgment initially in recognising the one who ought to be their leader, the one anointed, with the most talent and qualified for the task.
Undaunted by the olive's refusal they turned to the fig, who was nearly as talented as the olive. Imagine the frustration felt by the entire group as they could get no one who qualified to take up the leadership responsibility. As the frustration mounted, they turned to the worthless, even troublesome thorn bush.
This phenomenon is not isolated to imaginary forests. This is true of the Christian leadership landscape of the Church and the nation as well.
We desperately need leaders; everyone recognises it. And yet we have refusal after refusal on the part of good and blessed men.
Too many good men are distracted with making money, preoccupied with the future, education of children and even, our own church agendas. Armchair 'leaders' are plenty. 'Consultants' are also aplenty in almost every organisation and church…BUT they are not providing leadership.
It is so often said that the Church rises or falls with leadership. If the able are not willing, bramble tree leaders will fill the void. It's time for the 'olive, fig and grapevine leaders' to rise and take their place.
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