How can we emulate Tola's leadership qualities in our daily lives today? The Scene in Judges 10:2 “ He judged Israel twenty-three years; then he died and was buried in Shamir.” One sentence, yet it reveals a lifetime of humble, steady service between two dates—beginning and burial. Core Traits Shining in One Short Verse • Longevity of faithfulness: twenty-three uninterrupted years of judging. • Quiet consistency: no fanfare, no scandals, just steady leadership. • Local rootedness: he lived and was buried in the same town he served, Shamir. • Deliverer’s heart: verse 1 says he “arose to deliver Israel,” showing initiative in crisis. • Finishing well: his tenure ends honorably; the text moves on without rebuke or regret. Practical Ways to Imitate Tola Today • Show up daily—reliably. – Luke 16:10: “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much.” • Seek the good of your community before personal acclaim. – Philippians 2:3 – 4. • Stay planted where God assigns you. – Jeremiah 29:7: “Seek the peace of the city…” • Lead by serving, not spotlight-chasing. – Matthew 20:26: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” • Persevere for the long haul. – Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary in well-doing…” • Finish with integrity; let your final chapter affirm the earlier ones. – 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Scriptures That Reinforce the Same Pattern • 1 Corinthians 4:2—stewards are required to be found faithful. • Psalm 101:6—the Lord’s eyes are on the faithful in the land. • Colossians 3:23—work heartily, as for the Lord. • Hebrews 6:10—God is not unjust; He remembers work done in love. Finishing Thoughts for Everyday Application Tola proves that leadership influence is less about headlines and more about decades of dependable obedience. Whether guiding a family, managing a team, or serving in church, the same equation holds: commit fully, serve quietly, endure faithfully, and let God write the obituary of a life well-spent. |
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