America has a crisis of confidence in its government, its large businesses, its schools and its churches. For the last few decades Americans have been leaving existing organizations and not joining new ones. Robert Putnam discussed the decline in social capital the US has experienced in his book Bowling Alone. Part of our loss of leadership is our loss of belonging.
Lao-Tzu’s Tao Te Ching said,
“Learn from the people
Plan with the people
Begin with what they have
Build on what they know
Of the best leaders
When the task is accomplished
The people will remark
We have done it ourselves.”
2 Samuel 20 explains how David responded successfully to a leadership crisis.
Rebellion
Because Sheba, a worthless fellow, said Israel had no portion and inheritance in David, they followed Sheba instead of David. Judah remained steadfast to David. The ten concubines remained widows until they died (2 Sam. 20:1-3). People easily rebel from God’s plan and follow worthless leaders.
Responsibility
Abishai, Joab, David’s servants and the mighty men pursued Sheba. When Amasa was not on guard, Joab killed him with his sword. Joab and Abishai continued to pursue Sheba. A wise woman told Joab not to destroy the city, Abel Beth-maacah, and “swallow up the inheritance of the Lord.” The woman wisely came to all the people and they killed Sheba (2 Sam. 20:4-22). Let people take personal responsibility for their welfare instead of relying on the government.
Service
Joab was over the Israel’s army, Benaiah over the Cherethites and Pelethites; Aboram over the forced labor; Jehoshaphat was the recorder; Sheva was scribe; and Zadok, Abiathar, Ira the Jairite were priests (2 Sam. 20:23-26). Let people serve according to their gifts and talents.
Prayer
David sought the presence of the Lord during three years of famine. God said the reason was Saul putting the Gibeonites to death. David asked them how he could make atonement that they would bless the Lord’s inheritance. They wanted seven men from Saul’s sons to be hanged (2 Sam. 21:1-6). Seek God’s presence to learn the reason for any lack or need.
Obedience
David gave the Gibeonites seven sons, which they hanged in the mountain before the Lord during the first days of barley harvest (2 Sam. 21:7-9). Obey what God says even though it’s costly.
Unity
David gathered Saul’s and Jonathan’s bones with the bones of those who were hanged. They buried Saul’s and Jonathan’s bones in the grave of his father, Kish, according to what David commanded. God was moved by entreaty for the land (2 Sam. 21:10-14). Pursue unity as you intercede to God in times of famine and need.
Rest
David became weary as he and his servants fought the Philistines. Abishai killed one of the descendants of the giant who sought to kill David. They told him to not go out to battle again (2 Sam. 21:15-17). Take time to rest as you overcome weariness in the midst of spiritual battles.
Repentance
Four descendants of Goliath who reproached Israel were killed by David and his servants (2 Sam. 21:18-22). Repent of sin vigorously so it won’t have a foothold.
Go through the following checklist when you face a leadership crisis:
1. Take personal responsibility to act
2. Serve according to your gifts and talents
3. Seek God’s presence to learn the reason(s) for the deficiencies or lack
4. Obey what God tells you even though it’s costly
5. Pursue unity as you intercede to God in times of famine and need
6. Take time to rest in the midst of the spiritual battle
7. Repent of sin so it won’t have a foothold
