The Danger of Trusting worthless person.

Topic: "The Danger of Trusting worthless person"

Text: Judges 9:15

Adjoining Text: Psalm 118:8 — "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."

Introduction

Judges 9 records Jotham's parable after Abimelech made himself king. The fruitful trees—the olive, the fig, and the vine—refused to abandon their God-given purpose. Finally, the worthless bramble accepted the throne. The bramble offered "shadow," though it could hardly provide any, and threatened destruction to those who refused it. This is a picture of ungodly leadership and the danger of trusting those who have no spiritual fruit.

1. The Bramble Represents Empty Leadership

Unlike the fruitful trees, the bramble produced no useful fruit. It desired power instead of service. Many seek positions of influence not to bless others but to satisfy selfish ambition.

Lesson: 

God values character and fruitfulness above titles and authority.

2. The Bramble Offers False Security. 

The bramble said, "Come and put your trust in my shadow." This was an empty promise because a bramble cannot provide meaningful shade.

Many people trust in wealth, political power, human wisdom, or sinful alliances, only to discover that these cannot protect them in times of trouble.

Psalm 118:8 reminds us that true security is found only in the Lord.

3. The Bramble Brings Destruction. 

The bramble warned that fire would come out of it to consume the cedars of Lebanon. Instead of bringing peace, selfish leadership produces conflict, division, and judgment. Sin always promises comfort but ultimately brings destruction.

Illustration. 

A traveler sought shelter under a thorn bush during a storm. The bush could neither protect him from the rain nor keep him from its sharp thorns. When lightning struck, the dry bush caught fire, forcing the traveler to flee. What promised safety became a source of danger. Likewise, anything we trust instead of God will eventually disappoint us.

Conclusion. 

Jotham's parable calls us to discern whom we follow and where we place our trust. The world offers many "brambles" that promise security but cannot save. Jesus Christ is the true King who gives lasting peace, protection, and eternal life.

Call to Commitment

Ask yourself:

Am I trusting in God or in the "shadow" of the world's promises?

Am I pursuing fruitfulness or merely seeking recognition and power?

Choose to trust the Lord, for He never fails those who put their confidence in Him.

Closing Prayer. 

Heavenly Father, keep us from placing our trust in false leaders and empty promises. Help us to bear good fruit and to follow Jesus, our true King. May our confidence always rest in You alone. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

-Kunle Solomon.

Minister.

SheepGate Evangelical Ministry. Join us on our WhatsApp page: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BsioVIQmwKW4jX6n6PcKGm?mode=gi_t 

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