Today’s Scripture: 2 Chronicles 1-5
Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. – 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
A change in leadership can be disastrous or, with balance and wisdom, it can be a growing experience for everyone involved.
In 2 Chronicles 1, Solomon assumes the throne after the death of David. Solomon was a man of peace; David was a man of war. Solomon engaged in building; David engaged in battle. David was concerned primarily with the ark of God; Solomon with the temple. David and Solomon were different in approach and style, but shared the same heart and purpose before the Lord.
Second Chronicles 1:8 records that Solomon prayed: “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place.” He was saying there would be a new emphasis now, but with a clear endorsement of what had gone before.
In 1956, Dawson Trotman drowned in a boating accident at Schroon Lake, New York. The Navigators was a young, growing organization, and suddenly we had a new leader in the person of Lorne Sanny. Now that could have thrown us, but for two things. First, we knew that Lorne was Dawson’s clear choice as a successor. Although they were different in temperament and style, their heart and vision were the same. Second, Lorne, in wisdom, brought about change slowly. While building on the past, he planted seeds of new ideas and methods, and let them mature in the minds of his coworkers.
When God calls a leader, he also is calling followers. Both have the responsibility to trust God for the strength, wisdom, and grace to fulfill their calling. When that happens, the Lord is honored and the work goes on.
Prayer
Lord, help me to be a good follower behind the leaders You’ve placed over me. Amen.
To Ponder
In what ways can you support the leaders God has placed in authority over you?
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