A New King
Opening Prayer
Lord, whatever influence You give me, may I use it for the sake of Your Gospel and the good of Your people.
Read 2 Samuel 5:1-12
[1] All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “We are your own flesh and blood. [2] In the past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the LORD said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.'” [3] When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, the king made a covenant with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel. [4] David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years. [5] In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years. [6] The king and his men marched to Jerusalem to attack the Jebusites, who lived there. The Jebusites said to David, “You will not get in here; even the blind and the lame can ward you off.” They thought, “David cannot get in here.” [7] Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion-which is the City of David. [8] On that day David had said, “Anyone who conquers the Jebusites will have to use the water shaft to reach those ‘lame and blind’ who are David’s enemies.” That is why they say, “The ‘blind and lame’ will not enter the palace.” [9] David then took up residence in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built up the area around it, from the terraces inward. [10] And he became more and more powerful, because the LORD God Almighty was with him. [11] Now Hiram king of Tyre sent envoys to David, along with cedar logs and carpenters and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David. [12] Then David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What is the benefit to those under trustworthy leadership?Barbarians at the Gate: The Fall of R.J.R Nabisco is a famous business book on what was then the largest takeover in corporate history. The book highlights the egos and greed as different parties brutally fought for control of the company.In comparison, David’s final takeover in Israel is relatively amicable. Obtaining support from all the tribes (1), David is a proper representative of the whole nation. David’s kingship is obtained through the agreement and cooperation of the whole people. This is a good standard when it is time to appoint Christian leaders in the church or other forms of leadership positions. When the whole church or organization is given opportunity to express trust in a new leader, this reduces criticism and marginalization of the leader or the people they are leading. Crucially David captures Jerusalem (7). This was a well-guarded city. Nobody believed he could possibly take it (6). And yet, against the odds, David’s victory proved that the God who was with him (10) was greater and more powerful than anyone or anything else in the world.
Apply
How do you approach leadership? Do you need to listen more to those you lead or support those leading you?
Closing prayer
Father, bless those who lead Your church with love, courage and above all, a willingness to obey You in everything.
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