Who do you go to?

Amazing how Tola didn't merely "judge" Israel, like the previous judges did. He had to actually "save" Israel. And after reading about Abimelech's dysfunctional reign which ended in civil war in yesterday's chapter, it sounds like Israel really needed something more than just a judge. They needed a savior.

And without any other notation regarding Tola, he gets two verses for his quiet, uneventful, nation-saving reign. Abimelech on the other hand, the wicked murderous fellow he was gets the glory of the longest chapter in the book of Judges. Sounds like the same good guy:bad guy coverage ratio we have in today's media!

But that's not what really convicted me in today's chapter of Judges 10.

It's not difficult to miss the error of their ways.

• Did evil
• Served Baals
• Served Ashtoreths
• Served gods of Syria
• Served gods of Sidon
• Served gods of Moab
• Served gods of the people of Ammon
• Served gods of the Philistines
• Did NOT serve the Lord Jehovah

And who do you suppose ended up being their oppressors? None other than the Philistines and Ammonites who they were trying to fit in with!

But they are driven to repentance and cry out to the Lord for forgiveness. And because the Lord could lno onger endure the misery of Israel, He set out to deliver them.

However, the most convicting part of the passage is in the last verse, the verse that serves as an introduction to chapter 11. Here, read it again...

And the people, the leaders of Gilead, said to one another, "Who is the man who will begin the fight against the people of Ammon? He shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead."

What do you suppose would have prevented them from asking God that question? Maybe they were a little skittish around God because of their past 18 years of poor behavior. Or perhaps they just weren't used to going to Jehovah God. Or maybe they didn't really think it would prove very helpful to ask Him.

I don't know why they didn't (and I'm sure in their minds, they had the perfect rationalization as to why they shouldn't) disturb God with this question. But it drives home to me the question posted as the title: "Who do you go to for guidance?" "Who do you go to for help?" "Who do you go to to get clarity in an issue?"

For me, my sister-in-law is the one I probably go to most. And that's not bad, but I desire to make 2008 a year where even before I go running off to her or my friends, that I meet up with God first.

Lord, whether I am trying to come out of the midst of chaos like the Gileadites, or just trying to get a to-do list for the day drawn up, oh incline my heart to You first. I want to sort out the quandaries of life with You first and foremost. Thank you for Your compassionate and patient heart.