How does Tola's story encourage us to serve faithfully in our communities? A Quiet Hero Among God’s People Judges 10 gives us only two verses about Tola, yet they speak volumes: “After Abimelek died, Tola son of Puah, the son of Dodo, arose to save Israel. He lived in Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim. He judged Israel twenty-three years; then he died and was buried in Shamir.” (Judges 10:1-2) These lines reveal a man who stepped up after turmoil, provided two decades of stability, and finished well—quietly, faithfully, without fanfare. Steady Leadership Reflects God’s Heart • Twenty-three years of peace point to consistent, day-in-day-out obedience. • God values perseverance as much as (and often more than) momentary heroics. • The absence of drama in the record is itself testimony: stability is a blessing from the Lord. Faithfulness Over Fame • Luke 16:10: “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much.” • Tola’s “little” was simply governing well; God counted it “much.” • Hebrews 6:10 assures that “God is not unjust. He will not forget your work.” Every unnoticed act still matters to Him. Small Acts, Eternal Significance • 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Always excel in the work of the Lord… your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” • Colossians 3:23-24: “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being… It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” • 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 encourages “a quiet life” that wins respect. • Matthew 5:16 reminds us that faithful service lets others “see your good deeds and glorify your Father.” Putting It into Practice in Our Communities Practical ways to follow Tola’s example: 1. Show up consistently—volunteer, mentor, serve, even when no spotlight shines. 2. Seek community peace—mediate conflicts, pray for leaders, promote unity. 3. Finish assignments—complete tasks you’ve begun; longevity blesses others. 4. Work “for the Lord”—keep motives pure, aiming for God’s “Well done,” not human applause. 5. Encourage fellow servants—affirm those whose contributions are similarly unseen. Enduring Inspiration from a Brief Story Tola’s understated legacy proves that God memorializes faithfulness. By embracing routine opportunities, loving our neighbors well, and persevering in quiet service, we carry the same torch—shaping our communities for Christ one steady day at a time. |
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