“Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Who are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea? May the Lord be our judge and decide between us. May he consider my cause and uphold it; may he vindicate me by delivering me from your hand.”
– 1 Samuel 24:14,15
We discussed King David’s wilderness experience between the time he was called and the fulfillment of his anointing yesterday. Today, I want to share with you another significant life lesson gained by this young leader as he observed a great man collapse during the winter season. King Saul used to be a perfect model of a leader. He was Israel’s and Judah’s first king, and he witnessed the Hebrew nation grow from a tribe to a state. Yet, from a clever, noble, and fearless ruler, he deteriorated into a jealous, spiteful, and insane commander who spent years following a shepherd across the desert. As perplexing and terrible as the desert may have been for young David, he was also granted a great gift. Knowing he would one day be king, I’m sure he kept an eye on his forefather and wondered what had happened to him. David surely became a better leader as he studied and learned from Saul’s life because he was able to gain insight from his blunders. Friend, this is one of the finest gifts we may receive during our time in the wilderness seasons of life. In the space between God’s call and the moment it comes to pass, we have the opportunity to grow and learn, even if it’s from the missteps of others. Never undervalue the value of an observation or what it means to be near to a smart or dumb leader. As I consider our current situation, I can’t help but wish that everyone in positions of power and influence, whether in politics, the church, education, or business, would study and learn from history and the leaders who came before them. I implore you, loving child of God, to be willing to stand in the wilderness and see how ego, pride, self-deception, bitterness, unforgiveness, and envy lead to a painful fall for both the leader and those who follow them. Keep your heart humble and your eyes exclusively on the author and perfecter of your faith as Jesus refines you and prepares you to walk fully into your anointing! No season is wasted in his Kingdom; He wants to teach, refine, and guide you, preparing you for all good works! Isn’t it wonderful news? |
Prayer
Jesus, teach me to take lessons from the lives of those around me. May I be blessed with eyes that see what you see and a heart that seeks Godly wisdom above everything else.
Reflection
Have you ever witnessed the demise of a great man or woman? What did you take away from it?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
