When
David was old and full of days, he made his son Solomon king over Israel.
1 Chron. 23.1
David knew when
it was time to hand over. The narrative tells us, in some detail, how he
organised the priests and the Levites into the service of God. So it seems to
me that David knew the work that he was to complete and then he was to hand
over. In earlier passages in the book we read something of how David prepared
Solomon for the work that lay ahead for him.
I see vital
lessons here that all leaders can benefit from. Without any specific order of
priority these are: to know what you must do; to know when to give up and hand
over; and to prepare a successor for the role you are vacating. Modern history
has well illustrated non-compliance with all three of these criteria, and the
dire consequences that ensue.
We see leaders
who do not fulfil what is required of them. We suffer from leaders who do not
know when to give up. And we experience the trials and difficulties that come
when adequate succession has not been provided for.
I think the
above guidelines are particularly pertinent to Christian leadership. For me,
David demonstrates God’s way. The recording of these aspects in the Holy
Scriptures indicates further to me that this is to be heeded. And how different
society might be if we did things God’s way!
Holy Father,
My prayer is that I may know the extent of what I am
to do while on this earth, and carry it out to the best of my enabling. May I
also know when it’s time to stop. And, if I am to hand over any ongoing
function, may I prepare a suitable successor. I ask You to show me these
things, to lead me and enable me to work to fulfilment, to Your praise and
glory.
Amen.
My book “God Talk” is available through major
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(Search: Peter Francis - "God Talk").
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