Village Schools of the Bible

RASCALS USED BY GOD
A Devotional Study of Judges
by Max Frazier, Jr.

PROCRASTINATING ON GOD'S MERCY
Judges 10:1-18

In the early verses of this tenth chapter of Judges, we are introduced to two men whose stories are told in just a few brief words. One man was named Tola and the Bible tells us that he judged over Israel for twenty-three years. The other man was named Jair, and he judged over Israel for twenty-two years. Although these men are overshadowed by the likes of a Gideon and later a Jephthah, they are important because they cause us to reflect upon the great truth: with God, every person is important. Oh, their stories may not be as exciting to read. In fact, their only story may be that of a daily faithful obedience to God. Not the stuff of which books are written, but most certainly the stuff in which God rejoices.

When we get to heaven, there will many Tolas and Jairs. I am reminded of some of the dear saints who have impacted my life. I think of Pastor Ray Baker for whom I worked while a teenager years ago. This godly man, unknown to the world, would pray and ask God to call me into the ministry. He was ushered into eternity without seeing his prayer accomplished, but somehow, this "Tola" knew that God would answer him.

Friends, can I urge you today to sit down and to remember those unsung people who have impacted your life significantly for Christ? They may be known only to you. They are your "Tolas" and "Jairs". Thank God for their obedience. Give Him thanks for the wonderful privilege you had of knowing these dear saints. If they are still living, why not drop them a card of appreciation. I know it will be a blessing to them.

There is another truth expressed in this chapter. It is a truth shrouded in tragedy: Why does Israel spend so much time living in sin before they cried out to God? There seemed to be that feeling that, with time, they could improve themselves.

But sin never improves anyone. It always drags a person down. And just like Israel, we wait to cry out to God until we are helplessly mired in sin's grip. Sin is nothing to play around with. It is nothing that we should compromise with. We need to flee from its presence. And when we fall, we need to immediately ask God for forgiveness. Let's not wait until the hour is desperate. Oh the joys we miss when we choose to wait.

And yet, in spite of the waiting, God still showed His mercy to Israel. How many times had they failed to serve Him! How many times had they served themselves and other gods! Yet, when they cried out and admitted their sin and turned from their evil ways, God brought deliverance. Praise God for His cleansing of our sins.

Father, I want to praise You for those unnoticed men and women who have greatly impacted my life for You. Although unknown to others, much like Tola and Jair are to us today, they are known to You. And I also praise You for Your mercy, which is given to us even when we wait until the final moment to repent and to get right with You. You are so patient with us and for that we give You praise. Thank You for being a God who is gracious and compassionate. We give You all the praise and the glory in the name of Christ Jesus. Amen.

Judges 9 Return to the Table of Contents Judges 11