Hannah: The Power of Persistence
When you think of Hannah, think of persistence and faith.
At a time in history when infertility earned a woman both scorn and ridicule, Hannah faced an added heartache: She became the object of cruel mocking by her husband’s other wife.
Had you been Hannah, how would you have responded? Hannah refused to lash out at her rival, but instead took her sorrow and loss to God. She prayed earnestly to her Lord, begging him for a son. She refused to believe that her difficult situation had to remain permanent.
Hannah prayed sincerely, specifically, and sacrificially. She did not back away from her request, even when rebuked by an uncomprehending priest—and God rewarded her faith with a son, Samuel. When the time came for her to keep her word and give Samuel to the service of the Lord, she did so with a thankful heart.
Prayer changed the course of Hannah’s life and impacted an entire nation. God used her son in a key role as prophet during the lifetime of King David, and his influence outlived him as he gave great impetus to the prophetic movement. God also blessed Hannah with many other children, proving once again his delight in the faith and persistence of his people.
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Eli’s Leadership: Success as a Priest, Not as a Parent
Eli’s failure to lead his family eventually led to his downfall as a religious leader. This revered judge in Israel failed to discipline his two sons and ended up rearing spiritual rebels. Eli lost his credibility, his job, and eventually his life.
The Scripture teaches that if we do not faithfully lead our own household, we lack the qualifications to lead beyond the home (1Ti 3:4–5)—in other words, if it doesn’t work at home, don’t export it.
How could a priest like Eli miss the mark? By making some crucial errors.
1. Emphasis: Eli emphasized teaching his colleagues and clients, not his family.
2. Expectation: Eli thought his sons would “get it” just because they lived in the house of the Lord.
3. Example: Eli failed to live out in his home what he taught in his work.
4. Entanglements: Eli got so caught up with his profession, he blinded himself to his failure.
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Samuel Learns to Listen to and Speak for God
Samuel teaches us that we hear from God through:
• Proper Practice: Samuel was already obeying all he knew (v. 1).
• Proper Position: Samuel lay quiet and still and removed all distractions (v. 3).
• Proper Proximity: Samuel lived in the presence of God (v. 3).
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Samuel: A Leader Who Learned to Listen
All leaders need to learn to recognize the voice of God, even as young Samuel did. While he lay on the floor one night near the ark of God, the Lord called out to him, “Samuel! Samuel!” At first, Samuel heard but didn’t recognize the Father’s voice. He kept listening, however, and eventually he received word regarding a coming judgment against the priest Eli and his family.
Samuel spent a long and sleepless night, paralyzed with fear at the thought of repeating what God had told him. But Eli convinced Samuel it was far more dangerous to withhold the truth than to reveal what God had shown him (1Sa 3:17). So Samuel laid out the whole truth—and because of his obedience, God raised the young man up as a leader and prophet among his people (3:20).
Samuel is a great biblical example of godly leadership. He demonstrates that the man or woman who is fit to lead God’s people is the one who has learned to hear his voice, heed his words, and speak his truth, no matter the earthly consequences.
God has never chosen his leaders based on their charisma or eloquence of speech. Rather, he looks for those with the courage to hear and speak exactly what he tells them.
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Samuel’s Influence: One Person with Courage Makes a Majority
It didn’t take long for the Israelites to get a taste of the leadership of their new judge and prophet, Samuel. The prophet’s influence grew daily. When the people trusted him, they were delivered from the Philistines, saw the ark returned to their land, and enjoyed peace in the land. He became by far the most influential leader of his day.
But how did he gain such influence? What made everyone listen to him? At least three indispensable qualities gained him the influence he won:
1. Competence
God blessed Samuel with many gifts. He heard from the Lord, he could see the future unfold, and he wisely knew what to do in crisis. His abilities provided one reason that everyone listened to him.
2. Character
Unlike Eli, Samuel exuded integrity and honestly faced each area of his life. People trusted him and knew that he had Israel’s best interests in mind. They considered Samuel utterly trustworthy and depended upon him to intercede for them with God.
3. Connection
Samuel knew how to connect with people; he spoke their language. He expressed compassion for their predicaments and brought courage to their pursuits.
Fortunately for us, the formula for Samuel’s success still works today:
Competence + Character + Connection = Influence
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Human Promotion Does Not Equal a Divine Call
Samuel’s sons had neither the character nor the calling of their dad; the people wanted nothing to do with them. Their lack of credibility moved the nation to request a king! Yet a human verdict does not equal a divine calling—especially when it comes to leadership.
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Strategic Partnerships: Ministry and Marketplace Leaders
How Saul and Samuel Partnered Together to Lead God’s People
The Scripture provides a marvelous picture of how pastors and business leaders can partner together to fulfill a God-given vision. First Samuel shows how God sovereignly uses both Samuel the priest (ministry leader) and Saul the king (marketplace leader).
Because he feels secure, Samuel is able to fulfill his role as spiritual leader to big and strong Saul. He finds his security in his divine call and in the One who called him, not in people. While Saul could be an intimidating, daunting leader (1Sa 9:2), Samuel does not envy Saul’s role, nor can he be diverted from his work in Saul’s life. Note the following observations regarding the partnership of these two in fulfilling God’s plan.
1. Samuel could speak into Saul’s life because he felt secure in his calling (9:17–19).
While God told Samuel to anoint Saul as king, the prophet never considered the son of Kish to be a celebrity. Saul became king over Samuel—but Samuel never placed his security or emotional health in a mere man. With poise and confidence he said to Saul, “I am the seer.” He then instructed Saul concerning the spiritual matters he would face as king.
2. Samuel affirmed Saul’s complementary role and honored him for it (9:21–23).
Although Samuel had been the visible leader in Israel, he intentionally gave away his status by publicly honoring Saul. He reserved special food for him and a special place at the table, so no one would question whom they were to follow.
3. Samuel took initiative and anointed Saul for the role he was to fulfill (10:1).
Samuel didn’t feel competition or envy over this new king; he knew that both would serve as leaders among God’s people as complementary partners. As Coach Bill McCartney once said to some Promise Keeper speakers, “We are not here to compete with each other, but to complete each other.”
4. Samuel helped Saul to receive a new heart for serving people (10:6–9).
At this point Samuel had every reason to feel awkward or displaced; now Saul was doing the very thing Samuel had been gifted to do. But Samuel didn’t resist helping Saul to develop into the spiritual leader God called him to be.
5. Samuel encouraged Saul to use his spiritual gifts (10:10–13).
Samuel faithfully brought God’s word to Saul. He prepared Saul to receive his spiritual gifts by explaining what would happen and when to look for it.
6. Samuel did not feel intimidated by or envious of Saul’s conquests (13:8–13).
Samuel allowed neither Saul’s position as king nor his success as conqueror to move him. While Samuel affirmed the king, he also understood his role in Israel and in the king’s life. Samuel confronted Saul’s disobedience and clarified each of their roles.
7. Samuel spoke words of direction to Saul (15:1–3).
Even after confronting Saul’s disobedience, Samuel was able to provide direction for the king and affirm his work on the battlefield. He didn’t shrink from playing his role in Saul’s life and again clarified Saul’s place in the scheme of things. He furnished Saul with great confidence and support as he led the armies of Israel.
8. Samuel prayed and hurt for Saul when the king failed (15:10–11).
Samuel grieved when God rejected the disobedient Saul. He knew that God intended great things for Saul—and the king’s failure broke Samuel’s heart. As Saul’s spiritual leader, Samuel hurt for the king.
9. Samuel could confront Saul when he sinned and provide him perspective (15:12–23).
Samuel felt called to continually provide the big-picture perspective to Saul and remind him of his roots, of God’s call and mission. He offered an eternal perspective to the king and refused to let him try to do God’s will in his own way.
10. Samuel possessed the spiritual credibility to call for repentance and worship from Saul (15:24–31).
Samuel ministered to Saul with a beautiful combination of grace and truth. He spoke the truth in love, never out of spite or superiority. And when he returned with Saul, he did it not out of intimidation, but to leave Saul with as much dignity as possible.
What Every Pastor Should Know About These Partnerships
The Scripture illustrates the partnership role that ministry leaders and marketplace leaders can enjoy, if only they will work cooperatively.
1. Samuel illustrates the role of the pastor (the ministry leader). Saul illustrates the role of the entrepreneur (the marketplace leader).
2. The issue ministry leaders (pastors) must settle: personal security. The issue marketplace leaders (laymen) must settle: personal submission.
3. The pastor often envies the entrepreneur’s success (the money). The entrepreneur often envies the pastor’s significance (the mission).
4. Pastors must develop a vision big enough to attract entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs must develop a generous spirit to enable pastors to fulfill it.
5. Pastors must include business leaders in decisions so they can own the ministry. Entrepreneurs must include pastors in both their checkbook and calendar.
6. Pastors must give the church’s ministry to entrepreneurs/marketplace leaders. Entrepreneurs must give their spiritual gifts to the church’s ministry.
7. Pastors fail in this partnership because they feel intimidated. Entrepreneurs fail in this partnership because they feel independent.
8. Pastors can offer one thing that entrepreneurs want most: fulfillment. Entrepreneurs can offer one thing that pastors need most: resources.
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COMMUNICATION | Samuel and the Importance of Clear Communication
DR. J. ROBERT CLINTON did a formal study of Christian leaders and discovered that, without exception, all of them possessed word gifts: teaching, prophecy, evangelism, preaching, words of knowledge or wisdom, exhortation, etc. More than anything else, they used their gifts of communication to lead their people.
Peter Drucker, the father of American management, believes that 60 percent of all management problems result from faulty communication. Having a message doesn’t matter if leaders don’t communicate clearly and motivate others.
It is amazing how God wired us. We can listen to a leader flap his gums for 30 minutes, flinging thoughts and ideas about the room. He just talks, opens his mouth to make a few sounds—and yet we want to get up and pursue those ideas.
This is the power of communication. Proverbs 18:21 tells us, “The tongue has the power of life and death.”
During his day, Samuel was Mr. Communication. Everyone listened to him. What kind of communicator was he? Look at the following examples:
1. He spoke words of revelation (7:3). His communication contained divine revelation, insights the people lacked.
2. He spoke words of inspiration (10:3–6). His communication inspired Saul to overcome his fears and step out.
3. He spoke words of exhortation (10:24). His communication encouraged the people to act and follow Saul as their new king.
4. He spoke words of affirmation (10:24). His communication affirmed, supported, and endorsed Saul publicly.
5. He spoke words of information (10:25). His communication overflowed with good content, edifying and teaching others.
6. He spoke words of declaration (12:20–25). His communication gave clear direction to the people and hope for their future.
How Did He Do It?
Each time Samuel spoke, he followed the rules below:
1. Simplify the message. He spoke forthrightly, clearly, and simply. No one wondered what he meant.
2. See the person. He always empathized with others. He knew his audience.
3. Show the truth. He demonstrated credibility with his passion and his life. He lived what he said.
4. Seek the response. He always spoke with a purpose. When finished, he urged the people to obey God.
• • • • •
For a negative example of communication, see 21 Qualities: Communication: Adam Failed to Connect with Eve.
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COURAGE | The One Item Saul Forgot to Pack
ALTHOUGH SAUL became king chiefly through his striking appearance, he never won the inward battles. On the outside, he was tall, good-looking and well-built (1Sa 9:2). On the inside, however, he amounted to little more than a shrimp. Observe the leadership of Saul:
1. When the time arrives to anoint Saul as king, he hides among the baggage.
2. When Samuel asks Saul to lead, he excuses himself as unable.
3. When Saul’s soldiers begin to scatter, he panics and disobeys his divine orders.
4. When confronted over his sin, Saul makes excuses for himself.
5. When Saul attacks the Amalekites, he is afraid to trust God and destroy the enemy.
6. When Saul fears losing the allegiance of the people, he builds a statue of himself.
7. When the Philistines face Israel, Saul’s fear prevents him from negotiating.
8. When David gains popularity, Saul’s insecurity drives him to attempted murder.
Lessons from Saul
• Courage and cowardice are both contagious.
When Goliath challenged Saul’s men, they fled to their tents; when David’s men faced vastly superior forces, they stood their ground, fought . . . and won (2Sa 23:8–12).
• Without courage, it doesn’t matter how good your intentions are.
Saul had good intentions when he presented burnt offerings to the Lord. But he let his fear that the people would desert him control his actions (1Sa 13:13–14).
• Only courage allows you to do what you are afraid of doing.
Saul showed his lack of courage from the beginning, when he hid among the baggage to avoid becoming king (1Sa 10:22).
• Without courage, we’re slaves of our own insecurity and possessiveness.
King Saul momentarily repented on several occasions when confronted about his repeated attempts to kill David. But later, captive to his fears and insecurities, he always resumed his evil pursuit.
• If the leader lacks courage, the people will lack commitment.
Contrary to God’s command, Saul and the people spared the best of the livestock they captured from the Amalekites. Saul let it happen because, as he admitted, “I was afraid of the men and so I gave in to them” (1Sa 15:24).
• A leader without courage will never let go of the familiar.
Saul employed a medium to ask counsel of Samuel’s departed spirit—in direct violation of God’s law (1Sa 28:5–20). He lacked the courage to trust God to help him step into an unknown future.
• Lack of courage will eventually sabotage a leader.
Saul’s lack of courage eventually cost him not only the throne of Israel, but also his own life and the life of his faithful son, Jonathan (1Sa 31:1–6).
• • • • •
For a positive example of courage, see 21 Qualities: Courage: Elijah’s Fire and Passion Attract Others.
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Samuel: The Most Influential Leader of His Day
Have you ever wondered what gave Samuel such credibility with others? When he spoke, people listened.
Few descriptions offer a greater compliment than the one given to Samuel’s leadership in 1 Samuel 3:19–20: “The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the LORD.”
Samuel’s success began when he was just a boy, under his mentor, Eli. God spoke to Samuel during the night; then the lad spoke for God to Eli (1Sa 3:11–18). Despite the hardness of God’s message to Eli, Samuel spoke the truth in love. This encounter began a long pattern for Samuel.
Soon, the Israelites sought out Samuel to speak words of direction for their future. They needed help to retrieve the ark of the covenant. They needed strategy against their enemy, the Philistines. They eventually sought his permission to crown a king, like the other nations around them.
The influence of the prophet just kept growing. It grew so vast that when King Saul failed in his leadership, Samuel removed him. Imagine, having the sole authority to kick out even the reigning king! Samuel lived long enough to give the Israelites two kings. Samuel exhorted, he affirmed, he corrected, he prophesied, he reminded, and he taught the people. When he died, all of Israel gathered to mourn his loss (25:1). Indeed, this was a man of impact!
Images of Leadership from Samuel’s Life
1. Shepherd
The key descriptive word here is relationships. The Bible loves to describe God’s leaders as shepherds. Even the Lord is described as a shepherd (Ps 23; Jn 10:11). A shepherd knows, loves, protects, and leads his sheep. Samuel drew from this imagery. He spoke out of relationship. He identified with the people and could be both tough and tender because of this relationship. People listened because of relationship.
2. Steward
The key word here is responsibility. A steward acts on behalf of an owner, overseeing others and managing possessions. Stewards are accountable to the owner. Jesus taught this principle in Luke 12:42–48. Samuel lived this truth as he confronted kings and peasants, as he wept over the disobedience of Israel, and as he sought guidance for his nation. He remained faithful to his calling, accountable to God, and responsible to people. That is why they listened.
3. Seer
The key word here is revelation. Leaders must possess a vision and communicate fresh direction to the people. Samuel, like other Old Testament prophets, brought the word of God to bear on contemporary issues. He spoke with divine conviction about past lessons, present situations, and future direction. He moved from being merely a judge to becoming a prophet, speaking with skill as a visionary leader. People listened because of his revelation.
4. Servant
The key word here is rights. A biblically informed leader gives up his rights instead of gaining them when he reaches the top. Leaders sacrifice for the good of the people they lead. Samuel modeled this as he interceded for Israel, as he made sacrifices on the altar on their behalf, and as he wept for their welfare. Power did not motivate him, but service. People listened because of his servant’s heart.
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The Law of Addition: From Serving to Leading
God calls every leader to be a servant, but not every servant is to be a leader. So, how do we take the step to leadership?
In Hebrew, the word we translate as “leader” (nagiyd) comes from a root that conveys the idea of servanthood and being an example to others. The word is variously translated in Scripture as captain, ruler, prince, governor and noble.
Leader vs. King
The Hebrew term for “leader” stands in sharp contrast to the word for “king.” The fairly neutral Hebrew term for “king” (melech) allowed for the possibility of independence, for being a maverick. Samuel warned against this very thing when the Israelites asked for a king. A melech might be a renegade, but a nagiyd was under authority, subject to a higher power and fulfilling the wishes of that higher power. Saul was a melech, while Samuel was a nagiyd.
To be a captain, ruler, prince, governor or noble of the people of God, a person must first come squarely under the authority of God. We can go no further without first understanding this element. Yet a second element is just as important. The Hebrew term nagiyd also means to stand boldly, to announce, to manifest—the natural outgrowth of receiving commands from God. The leader is to boldly stand and communicate God’s commands with conviction.
God’s leader is first to be a servant of the Lord, then an example, then a proclaimer and communicator to the people. And no one did this better than Samuel.
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Saul: Stopped Leading to Serve His Own Interests
The Lord could not have been more specific. Speaking through the prophet Samuel, God commanded King Saul to destroy the Amalekites and everything they owned; no one and no thing was to be spared.
This was to be the supreme test of Saul’s fitness to lead God’s people—a test he failed miserably. Although he and his army routed the people of Amalek, he disobeyed God by sparing Agag, king of the Amalekites, and took for himself the best of their livestock.
When Samuel confronted Saul about his disobedience, he offered the lame excuse that he intended to sacrifice the livestock to the Lord. His rationalization didn’t wash—not in Samuel’s eyes and certainly not in God’s. From that moment on, his days as king were numbered. And so ended what had looked to be a promising reign.
It is only a matter of time before a leader’s heart reveals its true nature: soft and obedient toward the Lord? or hard and self-serving?
Truly godly leaders commit themselves to obeying the commands of God, whether they fully understand those commands or not. What they do know is the truth of Samuel’s words: “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams” (1Sa 15:22).
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David: A Leader After God’s Own Heart
The selection of David to be Israel’s king illustrates how God often disregards human customs and traditions to accomplish his purposes.
By human standards, David, as the youngest son of Jesse, appeared least likely to be considered for a leadership position. But God saw the heart of this young man and knew that his people needed a leader with a tenderness of spirit. David might have become a warrior, but gentleness was his defining trait.
David developed into a leader of courage with wisdom and strength beyond his years. He demonstrated his godly spirit through his willingness to take on Goliath while the great warriors of Israel hid in their tents (1Sa 17:40–50). David enjoyed a clear sense of dependence on God and made sure God would get the glory for any success in his life.
David began his leadership journey as low man on the totem pole. He did what was asked of him with a great attitude, having fun along the way. While his own brothers looked down on him, God lifted him up.
David’s life illustrates that faithfulness in small things often results in much larger assignments and greater responsibility down the road. David loved the Lord and lived his life as a man after God’s own heart (13:14).
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How Do You Recognize a Leader?
When did David first become a leader? The Bible makes it clear that the young man had become a leader long before he ever received a title.
This young leader first began to surface in 1 Samuel 16—but only God and Samuel recognized his leadership at first. Only after his great and unexpected victory over Goliath did everyone else recognize his special abilities (1Sa 17:55–58).
David’s example shows that true leaders always declare themselves without making any announcements. It becomes obvious. Too often, we feel forced to pick someone to lead, whether or not he is a leader—and that’s when wrong motives and false criteria emerge. What can we learn from 1 Samuel 16?
Mistakes We Make When Picking a Leader
1. Looking at looks (vv. 6–7)
2. Picking from the past (vv. 6–7)
3. Picking from the pecking order (vv. 8–10)
4. Opting for age and tenure over ability (vv. 8–10)
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The Law of Victory: David Defeats Goliath and Everyone Wins
Victory is always fun. No one likes to lose. But when a leader practices the Law of Victory, it impacts more than the leader. It affects everyone around the leader.
Consider David in his battle with Goliath. By practicing this law, he transformed the once-paralyzed Israelite soldiers into a force capable of defeating the “invincible” Philistine army. Here’s how he did it:
1. His perspective differed from others.
He didn’t see what everyone else saw, an invincible giant. He saw an opportunity.
2. His methods differed from others.
He decided to use proven weapons that he knew would work, not the conventional ones.
3. His conviction differed from others.
He recognized Goliath had no covenant with God, while he felt passionately committed to God’s covenant.
4. His motives differed from others.
He heard Goliath’s threats against the God of Israel and knew God could beat him.
5. His vision differed from others.
He wanted to make Yahweh known to the world as the most powerful God on earth.
6. His experience differed from others.
He brought to the battlefield past victories over a lion and bear, not months of paralyzing fear.
7. His attitude differed from others.
He saw Goliath not as a threat too big to hit, but as a target too big to miss!
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The Law of the Lid: Leadership Determined Saul and David’s Success
When Goliath taunted the armies of Israel, the frightened Hebrew soldiers forgot how to fight. They lacked a leader who could provide a strategy for success.
Saul was a very experienced soldier, but he cowered in fear with his men. David, on the other hand, sized up the situation, determined his weapon (a sling and five smooth stones) and ran toward Goliath.
Saul suffered under a lid of fear, paralyzed from leading. David labored under no such lid. Once he conquered the giant, the Israelite armies joined him to finish off the Philistines.
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Jonathan: Strengthen Your Leader, Save a Nation
Jonathan and David became fast friends soon after David killed Goliath. From that point on, Jonathan was willing to do anything to help David become king. What empowered Jonathan to do such a thing, to put David ahead of himself as successor to the throne?
Jonathan saw the big picture. The prince realized David had the potential to be a better leader than his father or himself. He knew helping David would benefit the kingdom more than promoting himself as Israel’s future ruler, so he strategically invested his time and energy for David’s success. Jonathan gave up his own future on the throne to serve God’s chosen successor. The result? The reign of David was the greatest in Israel’s history. Jonathan was instrumental in helping David be the leader that God meant him to be.
The greatest opportunity to influence you may have is to support another leader. You don’t have to be on the front lines to share in the rewards or make a great impact. When you see what is truly important and are willing to do what’s needed without recognition or fanfare, you share in your leader’s success. Strengthen your leader, and you may be able to help save your church, your organization, or even your nation.
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The Law of Empowerment: Saul Couldn’t Give Away His Power
King Saul clearly recognized David as a mighty warrior, a valuable team member, an obedient servant, a favored man and an effective leader. He also clearly saw him as a potential successor and threat.
Things didn’t get better when he heard the Israelite ladies compare the two—and Saul came out second best (1Sa 18:7). Saul’s insecurity and fear drove him to turn against David. Insecurity often drives a leader to do stupid and self-sabotaging things.
1. Saul looked at David’s every activity with suspicion (v. 9).
2. Saul hurled his spear at David to try to kill him (v. 11).
3. Saul feared David because God’s Spirit was with him (v. 12).
4. Saul changed David’s position to prevent them from seeing each other (v. 13).
5. Saul dreaded being compared to David in any way (vv. 15–16).
6. Saul put David in charge of 1,000 troops in hopes that the Philistines would kill him (vv. 13, 17).
7. Saul gave his daughter Michal to David, hoping she would be a snare to him (vv. 20–21).
8. Saul sponsored secrets to deceive David (v. 22).
9. Saul perceived himself as David’s enemy (v. 29).
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David: Partnership with Jonathan Enables Him to Endure
No leader succeeds on his own—not even a great leader whom God called “a man after my own heart” (Ac 13:22), and “the apple of [my] eye” (Ps 17:8). Even David needed his Jonathan.
In the dark days when he scrambled from cave to cave to escape the murderous threats of King Saul, David turned to his friend, Jonathan, for strength and encouragement. At great risk to himself, Jonathan warned David and told him to hide out for a time (1Sa 19:2). Jonathan, hoping to pacify his father and reconcile the king to his friend, spoke well of David. And for a short while Saul relented, promising that David would not die by his hand.
Soon the old animosities reasserted themselves, however, and Jonathan once again risked his life to help his dear friend (20:30–33). Even though he knew that God had chosen David—and not him—to rule Israel, Jonathan remained faithful to his comrade until the very end of his life. One verse in particular describes Jonathan’s invaluable ministry to David: “And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God” (23:16).
Do you have someone who “helps you find strength in God”? All leaders need loyal friends who can help them to persevere through the tough times.
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The Law of Connection: Covenant Love Draws Commitment
Although Jonathan was the royal prince, he exalted and encouraged David, knowing he risked his future throne. First Samuel 20 describes the four characteristics of their friendship. Jonathan was: available (vv. 1–4); dependable (vv. 5–17); vulnerable (vv. 18–33); and responsible (vv. 34–42). And so Jonathan won David’s loyalty (v. 41).
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The Law of Buy-In: David Draws Loyal Renegades
After David fled from Saul to the cave of Adullam, 400 men sought him out to follow his leadership. The Bible describes these men as in distress, in debt, and discontented. Obviously, David had to train these “losers” if he was to create an effective army. And he did.
These men eventually became like David. Some even killed giants, as he did—a classic example of the Law of Buy-In. They first bought into David, then into his vision and leadership. Observe what David teaches us about his leadership:
1. David attracted these men even without pursuing them.
2. David drew deep loyalty out of them without ever trying to get it.
3. David transformed these men without disenchanting them over their initial state.
4. David fought alongside these “losers” and turned them into winners.
Consider the astounding exploits of some of these men. Second Samuel 23 tells us that Josheb-Basshebeth slew 800 men with a spear in one battle (v. 8); Eleazar struck down the enemy until his hand clung to his sword (vv. 9–10); Shammah defended a plot of ground against an enemy army (vv. 11–12). Three of these men snuck behind enemy lines just to get David a drink of water from a well in Bethlehem (vv. 15–17). David attracted men like him—souls in distress. He also reproduced men like him—warriors and conquerors.
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The Law of Solid Ground: David’s Respect for Saul Earns Him Trust
Leadership operates on the basis of trust. Before David became king, he showed respect for the king who preceded him. Saul failed to practice this law, and lost his kingdom. The Bible provides a vivid contrast between Saul and David’s leadership.
Saul | David |
1. Self-conscious from the beginning | 1. Displayed God-confidence from the beginning |
2. Presumed on the priestly office | 2. Didn’t assume any right or privilege |
3. Disobeyed God in the little things | 3. Obeyed God in the little things |
4. Lost integrity by covering his sin | 4. Maintained integrity by respecting Saul |
5. Failed to submit to God-given authority | 5. Consistently submitted to authority |
6. Preoccupied with his own fame | 6. Desired to increase God’s reputation |
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Abigail: The Law of Connection
Following Samuel’s death, David moved to the Desert of Paran. There he encountered shepherds tending the flocks of the wealthy Nabal—an insolent, rude, and contentious man. Nabal happened to be married to a beautiful, intelligent, and intuitive woman named Abigail, and his wise wife saved his miserable life.
When Nabal offended David, Abigail very quickly took steps to defuse a volatile situation. She gathered a great feast and went out to meet David. Abigail’s decisive actions met the immediate need of feeding David’s men. They also calmed David and diverted him from avenging himself. Abigail lived the Law of Connection.
Upon her return home, Abigail kept her head and chose not to deal with Nabal until he was sober. Regardless of her husband’s rudeness and inappropriate behavior, Abigail responded forthrightly and respectfully. God himself later avenged David and chose to remove Nabal from the equation.
David never forgot this encounter. He knew a woman of God when he saw one, and after Nabal’s death he chose Abigail to be his wife. Her patience and submission during difficult times, as well as her wisdom and problem-solving skills, prepared her to be an excellent wife for David. David valued Abigail’s strength and felt greatly attracted to this highly capable female leader.
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RELATIONSHIPS | Healthy Abigail vs. Despicable Nabal
ASK PEOPLE to name their favorite person in the Bible, and likely you’ll hear the name Abigail. Due to her rare courage, common sense, and some fabulous relational skills, she single-handedly saved her family from certain destruction.
Her husband Nabal, on the other hand, almost provoked the slaughter of his whole household. Nabal’s name means “fool,” and he lived up to his name. A man without discernment, he selfishly refused to provide for David and his men. An enraged David gathered his troops to kill every male in Nabal’s home, and he would have done it—except for Abigail. Note the following relationship lessons she teaches us:
Relationship Lessons from Abigail
1. Risky initiative: Abigail took the first step with David to resolve a sticky situation.
2. Emotional security: Abigail demonstrated inward security in her identity.
3. Genuine humility: Abigail submitted to David by falling at his feet and seeking his favor.
4. Personal responsibility: Abigail took responsibility for Nabal and explained his wicked behavior.
5. Selfless attitude: Abigail focused completely on David’s welfare and future success.
6. Generous spirit: Abigail gave David and his men a choice gift for their journey.
7. Forthright approach: Abigail directly asked David to forgive Nabal.
8. Quick wit: Abigail suggested David didn’t want a slaughter on his conscience.
9. Eternal perspective: Abigail saw David and their relationship from a divine viewpoint.
10. Kind affirmation: Abigail sought David’s benefit and gave him encouraging words.
The Stuff Good Relationships Are Made Of
Effective leaders grow their relational skills in the following manner:
• Have a Leader’s Head: Understand People Abigail knew how to appeal to David in order to accomplish her goal.
• Have a Leader’s Heart: Love People Abigail assumed the role of a servant, submitting to both David and her husband. She felt secure enough to serve.
• Have a Leader’s Hand: Help People Abigail gave David and his men what they needed. She added value to him and thereby saved the life of her family.
Nabal: The Other Shoe Drops
Nabal’s wife may have excelled in relationships, but Nabal floundered. Their marriage illustrates that opposites really do attract.
As David and his men were getting ready to pass through Nabal’s property, David sent a few men ahead to ask Nabal if he could spare anything: food, wool, drinks, anything—they weren’t choosy. But Nabal refused to give them even the time of day. He grumbled loudly and sent them away with insults. How foolish!
Nabal should have known that David had saved his nation from Goliath and the Philistines. He should have known the prophet Samuel had anointed David to be the next king. He should have known that David had long protected Nabal’s men and possessions. But if Nabal knew any of these things, they didn’t matter to him. Nabal still refused to return David’s favor.
So was Nabal a criminal? Did he do anything illegal or immoral? Not really. He simply sabotaged his leadership by his lack of people skills.
Nabal serves as a prototype of many pastors and leaders today. Like Nabal, we become so consumed with our own work and personal life that we neglect the only eternal resource on this earth: people. How exactly did Nabal fail to develop healthy relationship skills?
Why Did Nabal Fail?
1. Nabal grew wealthy and satisfied and didn’t think he needed to build relationships (v. 2).
2. Nabal became selfish and distrustful of others; he couldn’t overcome his evil temperament (v. 3).
3. Nabal neither gave nor received encouragement; he had grown numb to positive attitudes (v. 6).
4. Nabal forgot how others had blessed him in the past; he counted only his losses (vv. 7–8).
5. Nabal belittled people and forgot their names; his insecurity prevented generosity (v. 10).
6. Nabal saw no reason to help others; he suffered from self-centered motives (v. 11).
7. Nabal wanted to build only his own “kingdom,” not God’s (v. 11).
Do you or someone you know suffer from similar symptoms? Relational skills are paramount in the kingdom of God. Jesus summarized the kingdom in two phrases: 1. Love God with all your heart; and 2. Love your neighbor as yourself. Our faith doesn’t revolve around some sterile creed or doctrine, although creeds remain important. Faith revolves around relationships, vertical with God and horizontal with people. It’s all about relationships.
Four Word Pictures
What could Nabal have done to improve his relational skills? He could have started by embracing the following word pictures:
1. The Host: Just as a host takes initiative and makes a guest feel comfortable in his or her home, so we are to host the relationships of our lives.
2. The Doctor: Just as a doctor does not give a prescription before first making a diagnosis, we are to poke and prod others with questions, so that our responses match the relevant need.
3. The Counselor: A good counselor actively listens. Since the number one emotional need of people today is the need to be understood, we must deepen our listening skills.
4. The Tour Guide: You hire a tour guide to help you reach your planned destination. God wants us to serve as spiritual “tour guides” for others, helping them to reach their potential.
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LISTENING | David’s Conflict Resolution Strategy Wins Saul Over
THROUGH LISTENING, leaders earn the right to speak into the lives of their people. Because they listen, they speak with relevance. And as they listen, they display love, compassion and understanding.
David led well because he listened well. First Samuel 26 describes how he gained the opportunity to take Saul’s life for the second time. David snuck up on the king while he slept. But instead of killing him, David took the king’s spear and water jug and later, from a distance, confronted him with questions. David shows that a leader who listens possesses genuine love.
1. Genuine love is not always popular—be different. Remember David’s men? Malcontents. Disgruntled. More than once they encouraged him to look out for himself and take Saul’s life—but David refused. We must be careful how we interpret circumstances and whose advice we accept.
2. Genuine love needs a clear perspective—be humble. After David took Saul’s spear and jug, he called to the king from a distance. He submitted himself and humbly asked for perspective. “What have I done?” he asked. We will never be able to love people correctly until we see them clearly, with God’s eyes.
3. Genuine love is not defensive—be patient. David knew God put him in this situation for a purpose and trusted him to deliver him. David offers to make a sacrifice if he has harmed Saul or done anything wrong, and he waits to hear Saul’s rationale. Impatience indicates we lack trust and want our rights.
4. Genuine love is powerful—be forgiving. Saul later apologizes to David and admits his wrong. He promises to go home. At this point, David sits in the driver’s seat; he still has Saul’s spear and jug. But he returns them and forgives Saul of everything. Like David, we must trust God to make things right.
What Steps Did David Take?
Note the following steps David walked through with Saul (1Sa 26):
1. He initiated the contact with Saul and set the stage for communication (v. 14).
2. He appealed to Saul’s sense of right and wrong (vv. 15–16).
3. He asked questions and listened for the king’s heart’s response (v. 18).
4. He asked Saul to listen so he could share his perspective (v. 19).
5. He determined to own up to anything he had done wrong (v. 19).
6. He submitted himself to Saul (v. 20).
7. He offered forgiveness and reconciliation as an act of trust in God (vv. 22–24).
How about you? Do you display love for others by listening? Are you a good listener?
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For a negative example of listening, see 21 Qualities: Listening: Rehoboam Fails to Listen to the Right People.
Go to the Index of Leadership Articles.
David Fails to Trust God and Visits the Carnal Corral
Over time David grew weary of Saul’s pursuit and chose to escape to the land of the Philistines. He became vague about his purpose, defensive about his leadership, and lost the trust of Israel. Even great leaders become vulnerable when they grow tired, lonely, angry, or hungry.
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SERVANTHOOD | To Get Ahead, Put Others First
DAVID ILLUSTRATES the leadership quality of servanthood in a positive way. His leadership was first and foremost about serving his team, not about his own fame or conquest. First Samuel 30 instructs us about relationships and partnerships. After conquering the Amalekites, David and his men took huge plunder. However, some of his older troops who were too tired to fight stayed back to help with supplies. It would have been easy for the troops who actually did the fighting to say: If you didn’t show up to the battle, you don’t get to share in the rewards! Surely some of those soldiers must have had this assumption. David resolved the conflict by calmly helping them all see that since God was the source of their victory and since those who helped with the supplies did play a role, they should all share in the plunder. David later turned this decision into a policy for Israel. Clearly, David valued every partner in the equation. His leadership was about service to others rather than accumulating wealth and power for oneself. Modeling this leadership quality did plenty of good things for David’s situation as a leader.
The Results of David’s Servant Leadership:
1. It helped others see the contribution of every man’s gift.
Even the older soldiers who remained at the camp because they were too tired to fight added some value to the entire army. They guarded the supplies. David’s perspective on valuing everyone’s gift and contribution kept everyone’s eyes on others, on the big picture rather than getting preoccupied with one’s own contribution.
2. It reminded David’s men that God was the true source of every good gift.
David knew that allowing everyone to celebrate the victory and share in its spoils would help his men to see that God was the true source of victory anyway. When people start keeping score on who gets what, they tend to get consumed with themselves and whether they are getting their fair share of the reward. David’s servant leadership helped others see through God’s eyes and trust him for their rewards in life.
3. It promoted goodwill in potential allies, resources David enjoyed later as king.
The people soon recognized that if you cooperate with David, he makes sure you win in some way. This promoted partnerships and a contagious spirit of service and goodwill among David’s troops. When leaders are selfish, it fosters a selfish atmosphere among everyone they lead. When leaders generously serve, this kind of service orientation spreads through the camp.
4. It enabled David to prepare for the future by making him friends all over Israel.
When a leader serves today, it generally pays off tomorrow in relationships with others. David may not have realized it at the time, but as word spread about his generous style, his servant leadership prepared the hearts of citizens all over Israel to follow him. It won them over. Sometimes little acts of kindness—unpromoted by the leaders—spread faster than staged acts on a platform. One appears authentic while the other just looks artificial.
5. It developed a nationwide value of mutual benefit and good faith among people.
Once David became king, this same spirit of appreciation and servanthood became the norm for a season in Israel. When leaders don’t selfishly grasp what they believe they deserve, it spawns a trust among those who follow. A sense of justice-for-all prevails. Instead of contagious selfishness there is contagious servanthood.
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For a negative example of servanthood, see 21 Qualities: Servanthood: A Conflict Between Two Worldviews.
Go to the Index of Leadership Articles.