The lesson of Abimelek's story is simple but powerful: if we reject the true King, we will be ruled by a usurper. If the throne is not filled by God, it will be filled by an Abimelek. When there is a spiritual vacuum, Satan will rush in to fill it. This principle applies in our organisations, whether political or congregational. If we do not seek and follow leaders who direct us to the kingship of Christ, we will fall into the hands of someone with negative and destructive leadership.

Abimelek is a prototype of an abusive leader. He leads for his own benefit, uses power for selfish purposes, and hides his own agenda behind an altruistic one. He knows the insecurities and aspirations of his followers, and exploits them for his own ends (Judges 9:2-3).

But the problem is not just one of bad leadership-it is also one of evil ″followership″. When Abimelek executes 69 of his half-brothers, nobody raises a hand against him (vv. 5-6). In this one act, both Israel and Abimelek reveal themselves for what they are: Israel is an immoral society prepared to tolerate the most atrocious acts, while Abimelek is a ruthless man, prepared to use any means to gain his ends. People often get the leaders they deserve.

We need to develop an instinctive suspicion of anyone who usurps Christ's place in His church. There is a subtle temptation to give undue prominence to gifted people who boost our self-image and feed our baser instincts. We need to beware any tendency to minimise the character qualifications for leadership and the servant mindset, and to watch the workings of our own hearts.

So it is too in our lives. The flesh cannot rule where the Spirit is king. The Christian life is not about beating down the flesh and trying to keep our old nature in its place, but about enthroning Jesus in His proper place (Romans 6:16). If Christ does not rule our lives, our sinful nature will.

Jotham's fable (Judges 9:8-15) shows that if we turn from God's purposes to our own devices, our choices will be foolish and self-destructive. Too often, Christians do what the Shechemites did when they finally recognise their mistake. Instead of turning to God in repentance and submitting to Him as king, they try to deal with Abimelek on their own (v. 25).

If Christ is not King in word and deed, then a ″thornbush″ will seize control (v. 15). This is true in our country, churches, and personal lives. We must beware all attempts to take the place that belongs only to Jesus. Whether we are followers or leaders, we must ensure that He alone is Lord.