A Worm
Today's Verse:
And after Abimelech there arose to defend Israel Tola the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar; and he dwelt in Shamir in mount Ephraim. And he judged Israel twenty and three years, and died, and was buried in Shamir. ~Judges 10:1-2
Can you imagine someone whose name means “a worm”? That’s what the name Tola means: “a worm.” In Hebrews 11:34, we have a description concerning men of faith whose names are not mentioned in Hebrews 11, but their deeds are. They are described as men who out of weakness were made strong. Let us consider this man named Tola.
We see a man and his fathers.
Tola traces his ancestors back to Issachar. Issachar means there is recompense or a reward. The men of Issachar are described during David’s day as men who had understanding of the times. His father’s name means “magnificent,” and his grandfather’s name means “his beloved.” Paul said, “For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.” Don’t forget the spiritual fathers in your life who have paved the way for you and set a standard by which you should follow Christ.
We see a man and his faithfulness.
Tola judged Israel for 23 years. God raised him up during a time of spiritual apostasy. Men love darkness rather than light. Tola rose above his generation and faithfully judged their affairs and led them to live for God. Faithfulness brings stability. Faithfulness is a measure of dependability. “Most men will proclaim everyone his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?” The winds of opposition and false doctrine blew his way, but Tola remained faithful. Don’t stop being faithful to church, to Bible reading, to prayer, and to winning souls. Be faithful!
We see a man and his fruitfulness.
He dwelt at Shamir. Shamir means “thorny.” This could imply that he had experienced difficulties and trials in his life. He faced thorny situations and a society that was a thorn in his side. Shamir was in Mount Ephraim. Ephraim means “fruitfulness.” Tola blossomed and flourished in spite of his thorns! Don’t allow hard times, trials, and problems keep you from being fruitful. Let the fruit of the Spirit be evident in your life. Determine to have fruit that remains in your life.
We see a man and his funeral.
He died and was buried in Shamir. Can you imagine the things that people said about him at his service? Can you imagine what his tombstone read about his life? “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” “He being dead yet speaketh.” He was a man who influenced his generation for the glory of God. He kept the faith. He was a man who finished his course. He was a man who showed people how to live for God. He was a man who out of weakness was made strong.
You don’t have to let your circumstances or society conform you to its image. You might be the underdog, and people might write you off. However, be like Tola who out of weakness was made strong. Have faith in God’s power for your life. Have fortitude, and rise above your critic.
Have a strengthened God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Jeremiah 1-3
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