Slices
Prepare
Transitions in leadership can be fragile moments, for churches and nations alike. As you read today be conscious of fragile states around the world, and of those who suffer through regime change.
Bible passage
Saul’s growing fear of David
18 After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. 2 From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family. 3 And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. 4 Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.
5 Whatever mission Saul sent him on, David was so successful that Saul gave him a high rank in the army. This pleased all the troops, and Saul’s officers as well.
6 When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with tambourines and lyres. 7 As they danced, they sang:
‘Saul has slain his thousands,
and David his tens of thousands.’
8 Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. ‘They have credited David with tens of thousands,’ he thought, ‘but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?’ 9 And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David.
10 The next day an evil spirit from God came forcefully on Saul. He was prophesying in his house, while David was playing the lyre, as he usually did. Saul had a spear in his hand 11 and he hurled it, saying to himself, ‘I’ll pin David to the wall.’ But David eluded him twice.
12 Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with David but had departed from Saul. 13 So he sent David away from him and gave him command over a thousand men, and David led the troops in their campaigns. 14 In everything he did he had great success, because the Lord was with him. 15 When Saul saw how successful he was, he was afraid of him. 16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he led them in their campaigns.
Explore
The warmth of the friendship between Jonathan and David contrasts deeply with King Saul’s growing suspicion and hatred of his successor. Jonathan might be the expected heir, but David will be king, and Jonathan both knows and gladly accepts this. By giving David his symbols of status and strength (v 4) Jonathan was publicly offering him his loyalty. Meanwhile, Saul’s jealousy of David’s growing popularity among the people sours to become paranoia (v 9).
The finest leaders are those who do not aspire to it. Enduring leaders are those who do not hold on to power beyond their time. Such people who have overstayed their welcome are usually pushed out – and this was Saul’s experience. God himself was loosening Saul’s grip on power (v 10).
As history would show, David was by no means perfect and repeated many of Saul’s mistakes. Kingship was the people’s ambition, rather than God’s best for them, and they paid the price of flawed human leadership. Their faulty kings would, centuries later, lead them into exile in Babylon. God might have said, ‘I told you so’.
Respond
Think of a Christian leader whom you can affirm today. Send them an encouraging message. Let them know that you are praying for them and then spend time doing it.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Ezekiel 18,19; 1 Peter 1
Pray for Scripture Union
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