Evil Men Cannot Stop God’s Reign

Rev. Matt Wietfeldt, director of admissions and director of the Christ Academy program at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Judges 9:42-10:5.

Abimelech has tried to do things his own way instead of the LORD’s; now, the LORD lets Abimelech experience that the way of evil only ends with evil. Abimelech turns on the very people who helped him assume power in the first place, with growing vengeance and violence. Idols prove their worthlessness as a refuge both for the Shechemites and Abimelech. His evil and pride are brought to an end through the LORD’s judgment by a humiliating death. Abimelech’s account stands as a warning to all who walk in the way of evil and as a comfort to Christians that the LORD does reign even during evil and one day does bring it to an end. In contrast to Abimelech stands the two minor judges, Tola and Jair. Though not much is said of their time as judge, their brief accounts remind us that the LORD continues to rule His people even during the most evil of days.

“Rebellion and Rescue” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Judges. This book is characterized by a familiar. As the generations after Joshua forget the LORD and what He has done for Israel, they fall into idolatry. The LORD gives them over into the hands of their enemies in order to bring them to their senses. When they cry out to Him in repentance, He sends a judge to rescue them and give them rest for a time, until they relapse into idolatry once more. In this cycle, we see a picture of our own Christian life. Daily, the old Adam in us is drowned in contrition and repentance, and the new man emerges in Baptismal forgiveness to live in righteousness and purity before God forever.