Rev. E. Anderson
A PRIME TIMER 0F WORTH
David is revealed as one of the most outstanding characters of Old Testament times. He was a remarkable person who performed a tremendous role for God and His leadership certainly is one to be recalled and remembered. Even in his late years he was determined in heart to give a vita lead to the up and coming generation. It is well to think of some of the things that made him the person and commander that he was.
1/. HE DEVELOPED A GREAT ACCORD WITH GOD FROM EARLIEST OF DAYS
As a young lad, as a shepherd boy, he appears to have an encounter with God and from it a very beautiful relationship commenced and was to influence his life for good – see Psalm 23 etc.
2/. HE KNEW HOW TO BELIEVE AND ACT AGAINST FORMIDABLE ENEMIES
He is called to contend with some very difficult people and situations but finds god’s grace and gift sufficient. There was a lion and a bear, a monstrous giant, a jealous king, a Philistine nation, a rebellious son and yet he managed to effectively deal with them with the enabling of God.
3/. HE WAS ABLE TO WELD A COMPANY OF AWKWARD MEN INTO A FANTASTIC TEAM
It was a unique thing that so many people became allied to him in his time of distress and difficulty who were in similar circumstances and he was able to give positive inspiration, direction and example to them all and what a transformed community they became!
4/. HE WAS PREPARED TO BE GUIDED AND COUNSELLED BY OTHERS WHEN NECESSARY
He was not independent but was always ready to take good advice. He took on Abiathar who served in a good role as mediator-priest and was at hand to give revelation – 1 Samuel 30: 7,8. And then there was Abigail – 1 Samuel 25. Also Ahithophel – 2 Samuel 15: 12. Nobody knows it all and there is often the need for gracious instruction and direction.
5/. HE ENDEAVOURED TO SET A NOBLE STANDARD FOR THE NATION
He knew as the monarch of God’s people, privileged to be a seat of power and renown, how vital it was that he set the standard for all in belief and behaviour so that this people would truly be the Lord’s elect household, reflecting His nature and character. How sorry he was over his moral failure and made it clear he was truly sorry and repentant – Psalm 32 & 51. Afterwards the record has it that a number of kings emulated David and this was taken to be an honourable consideration.
6/. HE SOUGHT TO BE UTTERLY CONVERSANT WITH THE PRECEPTS AND COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD
David set great store in the commandments and precepts of the Lord, desiring and setting great store on them – Psalm 19. It was essential that he be utterly aware of the righteous decrees of the Lord and that he should fall in line with them. There must have been the constant reminder that the reason why his predecessor had failed was due to the lack of respect that he had for God’s directives – 1 Samuel 15: 22-23.
7/. HE KNEW HOW TO WORSHIP THE LORD AND GIVE HIM FIRST PLACE AND ALL THE HONOUR DUE HIM
Not only was he a believer in Jehovah, he knew how to truly praise and worship the Lord. Besides being a skilled musician he was able to compose songs and psalms of worship that sprang forth from his personal relationship with God. If there was one thing that he loved to and was good at, it was in honouring the Lord and he gave the people a lead in this – see Psalm 103.
CONCLUSION
Other factors could be considered in the way he sought to be a good leader and give positive leadership over a very important people. It is well to look in depth and detail with regard to such and allow them to create and cultivate the same in us. The Bibli
