We have reached another Saturday! Here in Arizona, we only have a few more weeks where it will be enjoyable to be outside. Earlier this week it hit 100 degrees in Phoenix. Today is supposed to be beautiful, so after enjoying your time with the Lord, I would encourage you to get outside and appreciate the day He has given us.
Today, we will read 2 Samuel 4-7.
The impact of leadership
In chapter four, we read that without their leader, Abner, all of Israel loses courage. (v4:1)
I have encountered individuals who excelled in acquiring promotions and advancing to managerial positions. They interview well, are charismatic and have excellent organization skills. Some have proven to be superb managers.
There is a difference between being a manager and being a leader. A leader has a quality that inspires others to follow. Some lead from the front, others from behind, but then know how to motivate and enable.
Harvard Business School lists six characteristics of an effective leader. They are influencers. This allows them to steer the work and direction of others. A manager can track that performance, but a leader will create it (1).
Transparency is another trait required. People will not follow if they are not sure where the leader is going.
The death of Abner left the Israelites too afraid to take risks. Ish-bosheth instilled fear in them. A powerful leader encourages risk taking.
A powerful leader will exhibit integrity and accountability as well. These traits are essential for anyone to feel confident that their efforts will matter. Weak leaders change priorities and flip-flop on their position. I have worked on projects that were then unnecessary. It is demoralizing.
Uzzah’s Disobedience
God displays this characteristic when He strikes down Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6:7.
This is a confusing passage for some. Uzzah acted out of concern for the ark. It may have even been an instinctual response.
Numbers 4 instructed the Levites to avoid the uncovered ark. They could not look at it and in Num 4:15 were told that touching it would cause death.
The Lord’s anger burned because Uzzah disobeyed His command. Uzzah lacked faith that the Lord would protect the ark.
This also showed the fifth characteristic of leadership. The Lord acted decisively. Weak leak leaders buy time hoping someone else decides or that circumstances change and they get off the hook.
God’s Covenant
Resilience is the last trait that Harvard lists. David wanted to build a house for the Lord. He was told the Lord would have his descendent build that house.
We could consider Solomon the builder of the Temple. The true everlasting dwelling place of the Lord, however, is our hearts. This was David’s descendent, Jesus Christ. He is the one who is forever on the throne.
Lord or Lords, King of Kings. God’s people have found a home in Him where the wicked can no longer oppress them (7:10).
For this reason, God told David that He would establish His kingdom. (v&:12-13)
I love David’s statement in v7:22, “How great are you, Sovereign Lord? There is no one like you.”
As we read through this history of David, we will continue to see God’s leadership. We will see David stumble. Then we will witness God’s unfailing love and forgiveness.
Take a moment on this Saturday, to just notice God’s creation and humble yourself to thank Him for all He does for you.
