Wise Counsel
8 So the king arose and sat in the gate. When they told all the people saying, “Behold, the king is sitting in the gate,” then all the people came before the king. (2 Sam 19:8)
Reflection
One of my lowest yet most impactful moments as a soccer coach occurred during a quarrel with one of the most talented squads I have had the pleasure of coaching. During a playoff practice session before a state quarterfinal match, I, frustrated by my player's seeming lack of effort and interest in the session, walked out of the session, declaring to the players that, in that instant, they did not deserve our efforts as a coaching staff. Looking back, I cringe at that statement.
A few hours later, my assistant coach, a former player of mine, entered my office to petition on behalf of the players, who were equally as frustrated with me as I was with them. In one fatal blow to my ego, he reminded me that as long as he had known me, I had always preached that teams and families don’t abandon each other but stick together through all circumstances. Yet, in one emotional moment, my actions betrayed my words, and my players were left feeling abandoned. With the season on the line and my relationship with my players in jeopardy, I had a tough decision to make. The next day, I showed up, spoke plainly and honestly with the team and apologized for letting my emotions rule my actions. The team went on to win the quarterfinal match and, ultimately, our second of three consecutive state championships.
Application
The relationship between a leader and those they lead and serve can sometimes be complex. Such was the case with King David, his children, and even some of his most loyal subjects, such as Joab, King David’s nephew ( 1 Chron 2:16) and commander of his army. Joab is first introduced to the biblical account in 2 Sam 2:13. In the nineteenth chapter of the book of Second Samuel; there is an interesting exchange between King David and his army commander after David is informed of the death of his son Absalom, who had rebelled against David’s rule.
*It is important to note that Joab was a complex figure in his own right, and the biblical account of his life presents him as a brave yet murderous man and loyal while still self-serving.
As King David’s army battled the forces of Absalom, his son, King David, instructed his men, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom” (2 Sam 18:5). In a riveting scene, as King David’s men overtake Absalom’s army, Absalom caught up in an oak while riding his mule. Defenseless, Joab takes the opportunity to slay his enemy in direct defiance of King David’s order. The battle is won, and messengers inform the king of his victory. However, when the news of Absalom’s death reaches David, the king’s emotional response (2 Sam 19:4) halts all celebration, sending his faithful servants back to their homes in shame. It is at this point that Joab addresses his King:
“5 Then Joab came into the house to the king and said, “Today you have covered with shame the faces of all your servants, who today have saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, the lives of your wives, and the lives of your concubines, 6 by loving those who hate you. For you have shown today that princes and servants are nothing to you; for I know this day that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, then you would be pleased.
Now therefore arise, go out and speak kindly to your servants, for I swear by the LORD, if you do not go out, surely not a man will pass the night with you, and this will be worse for you than all the evil that has come upon you from your youth until now.” (2 Sam 19:5-7)
On rare occasions, if any, a man should speak so harshly to God’s anointed King. Yet King David’s reaction provides a powerful lesson about leadership.
8 So the king arose and sat in the gate. When they told all the people saying, “Behold, the king is sitting in the gate,” then all the people came before the king. (2 Sam 19:8)
Humble leaders are willing to receive wise counsel from those around them even when it contradicts their personal needs and emotions. Indeed, David would have preferred to mourn the loss of his son, and perhaps he might have punished Joab for disobeying his orders. Instead, King David listened to his advisor and put his feelings and emotions aside to meet the needs of his people. Good leaders listen to advice and have the courage to act on it.
Explore the Word
2 Samuel 19:1-8
Prayer
Lord, help me to lead with a humble heart and give me the courage to do what is right. Arm me with the wisdom of your word and surround me with wise counsel. Amen.
Yours in Christ,
Brad
