Judges 10 -- A Lack Of Leadership

The nation was in decay, despite 45 years of peace and prosperity.  The problem was unthankfulness.  "The essence of idolatry is enjoying God's gifts, but not being grateful to the Giver."  They turned to idol worship again, not remembering what it had cost them in the past.

Israel's lack of submission to the Lord was also a problem.  In reviewing their history, they would have known that He blesses obedience and chastens rebellion.  "When we're comfortable and enjoying His blessings, we tend to forget God and assume that we can sin and get away with it.  Comfortable living often produces weak character.  Happiness is not the end of life.  Character is.  But character is built when we make right decisions in life, and those decisions are made on the basis of the things that we value most.  Since Israel didn't value the things of God, she ended up destroying her own national character," my commentary said.

The Ammonites invaded Gilead, then crossed the Jordan and attacked the Promised Land.  The Israelites once again cried out to God.  "But the Lord didn't help immediately ... He ... rebuked them for their lack of appreciation for all He had done for them in the past.  Then God announced that He wouldn't help them anymore.  They could ask their new gods for help! ...The greatest judgment God can send to His people is to let them have their own way and not interfere ... This was too much for the Jews, so they repented, put away their false gods, and told God He could do to Israel whatever He wanted to do.  Their hope wasn't in their repenting or their praying, but in the character of God."

Another problem was their lack of adequate leadership.  There was no one to take the lead.  "Whether in a nation or a local church, the absence of qualified leaders is often a judgment of God and evidence of the low spiritual level of the people.  When the Spirit is at work among believers, He will equip and call servants to accomplish His will and bless His people."

"We get what we deserve.  When God's people are submitted to Him and serving Him, He sends them gifted servants to instruct and lead them, but when their appetites turn to things of the world and the flesh, He judges them by depriving them of good and godly leaders."

Father, I pray for our school system as we begin this new year.  Thank You for the godly leadership You have provided us.  Help us all to seek Your face and cause our students to want to do the same.  Reign in our schools, Father -- over students and teachers.

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford