1. Abimelech gets word of the drunken threats issued against him and plans an ambush. Zebul’s eyesight isn’t any better than his judgment. The wrath of Abimelech is thorough and includes a whole lot of salt. Jotham’s fable/prophecy comes full circle and Abimelech unsuccessfully tries to avoid what he sees as an embarrassing death legacy.
  2. Jesus tells people not to exalt themselves or they will end up humbled and tells a parable about throwing banquets. The Kingdom of God continues to look more and more upside-down. God is determined to have His house full and Jesus tells us to hate our families.
  3. Gideon takes many wives and has a ton of children and one son named Abimelech from a woman who was not his wife. Gideon dies, and the people take their idolatry to the next level. Abimelech puts together a plan to seize power that involves killing all his brothers. And Gideon’s youngest son delivers a fable/prophecy to the leaders of Shechem.
  4. Jesus compares the kingdom of God to seemingly common and insignificant things. Someone wants to know how many people will be saved and Jesus responds in an interesting way. What does it mean to enter through the narrow door? Jesus laments over Jerusalem and another person is healed on the Sabbath.
  5. Scott and Caleb are joined by pastor Bob Hiller to talk about his book Christ in the Straw. The book serves as a devotional commentary through James. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.
  6. Gideon makes a 2nd threatening promise and then follows through on both of them. We learn more about his family and what may be some additional motivation in these conflicts. The people start wanting a ruler and Gideon slips into compromise.
  7. Jesus says He is distressed over a certain baptism and division will follow Him. People want to know about degrees of sinners, but Jesus blows apart all ideas of Karma. And a woman is healed on the Sabbath, but the rulers of the synagogue find it impossible to rejoice.
  8. Gideon gets some reassurance from an interpretation of a very strange dream. He and his reduced force go into battle with trumpets and jars. Why are all these victories so lopsided and how does Isaiah talk about this battle when speaking of the coming Christ?
  9. Anxiety, big barns, and the folly of assuring your own soul.
  10. Psalm 13 is a story of sorrow and joy, confession and absolution, it declares that God has answered all our trouble.
  11. Psalm 55 instructs us to call out to God and look to His sure promises when sin and darkness assails us.
  12. Is there any assurance when it doesn't feel like God is with you?