As the Leader Goes, So Goes the Nation
“And Rehoboam the son of Solomon reigned in Judah. Rehoboam was forty-one years old when he became king. He reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the LORD had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put His name there. His mother's name was Naamah, an Ammonitess. 22 Now Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD, and they provoked Him to jealousy with their sins which they committed, more than all that their fathers had done.”
1 Kings 14:21-22
Leadership ability is the lid on the success of a nation or organization. When Israel or Judah lived under good kings, things went well. Under bad kings, things went sour.
The heart and skill of a leader will always tremendously affect the life of the people under their direction. This is a law, both timeless and universal!
Notice how this law played out under the Hebrew Kings of the Old Testament:
Good Kings
1. Drew loyalty from their people
2. Enjoyed victory over sin
3. Enjoyed peace within the kingdom
4. Were affirmed by God’s prophets
5. Enjoyed prosperity
6. Opposed evil kings
Bad Kings
1. Drew rebellion from their people
2. Saw bondage to sin
3. Suffered turmoil within the kingdom
4. Were rebuked by God’s prophets
5. Often endured natural disasters and war
6. Opposed good kings
Sunday AM
Servant Leadership in the Bible:
The Law of the LID
2 Samuel 5:1-4
I. Leadership Ability Determines A Person’s Level of Effectiveness
a. 2 Sam. 5:2
II. Aaron and Moses
a. Exod. 32:1-25
III. David and Saul
a. 1 Sam. 17:32-52
IV. Rehoboam and the People
a. 1 Kings 12:1-20
Sunday PM
When God’s Saints Are Afflicted
Psalm 119:65-72
I. God Has Dealt According to His Word
a. Psalm 119:65
b. 1 Pet. 4:12-13
c. Prov. 24:10
d. Rev. 2:10
II. We Yearn for God
a. Psalm 119:66, 69, 72
b. Psalm 119:66
c. James 1:2-5
d. Psalm 119:69
e. Psalm 37:5
f. 1 Pet. 4:19
g. Psalm 119:72
h. Phil. 1:10
i. Heb. 5:14
III. We Profit by Afflictions
a. Psalm 119:67, 71
b. Deut. 8:11-14, 17
c. Deut. 8:2
d. Deut. 8:17
e. Luke 15:14-17
f. 2 Cor. 12:7-10
g. Deut. 8:5-6
h. Heb. 5:8
i. James 1:2-4
j. Heb. 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 9:24
k. James 5:7-8
l. Heb. 10:36-39
Saul vs. David
2 Sam. 5:1-4
“Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and spoke, saying, "Indeed we are your bone and your flesh. 2 "Also, in time past, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them in; and the LORD said to you, 'You shall shepherd My people Israel, and be ruler over Israel.'" 3 Therefore all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David 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 began to reign, and he reigned forty years.”
Why did Saul fail as Israel’s king, while David succeeded? The answer can be found in the Law of the Lid: Leadership ability determines a person’s level of effectiveness. While David lifted many lids, Saul’s attitude kept the lid clamped down firmly on his leadership. Take a look at the similar paths the men traveled:
1. Both received counsel from godly men. Samuel anointed both men. Both men received the benefit of godly counsel from him.
2. Both faced great challenges. Sometimes Saul and David faced the same obstacles, tests, and trials. Goliath is one such example in which both Saul and David heard his challenge. Saul hid in fear where David, a mere boy, won honor for God.
3. Both had a choice to change and grow. Saul and David reacted very differently when confronted with their shortcomings. When rebuked by Samuel Saul spoke not a whisper of sorrow and repentance. David, confronted by Nathan, broke down and sorrowfully repented.