Skill and Strategy
We enjoyed the company of Abe and Debbie Koop this weekend. They joined us last night and spent the night. This morning we enjoyed a breakfast at the Silver Grille in Old Town Fort Collins. Our day has been overcast with rain and even some hail in the later afternoon. I even heard some first of the season tornado warnings for parts of southern Colorado. It has been good to hear some early feedback from those who have read my book. I am looking forward to receiving supply of copies for my distribution over the next two weeks.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…Ā “The following were the men who came to David at Ziklag while he was still banned from the presence of Saul son of Kish. They were among the warriors who helped him in battle.Ā They were archers who could use either the right or left hand, both to sling stones and shoot arrows from a bow. They were Saulās relatives from Benjamin….the Issacharites, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do…” 1 Chronicles 12:1-2,32 HCSB
David’s trip to the throne was one that involved years running from Saul, who was trying to kill him out of jealousy. It involved being recognize as King initially only in Hebron over the tribe of Judah. That lasted two years before all of Israel recognized and united behind David as King.
In the midst of all this were those that came to David to support him during these years. We read in the early days of fleeing from Saul, “When his brothers and his fatherās household heard about it, they went down to him there.Ā All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him.” (1 Samuel 22:1,2 HIV)
It is always good to know that when times are tough you can count on your family to come to your side and experience the difficulties of life with you. That was certainly my experience during my health crisis. It was the case for David when he found himself hiding in a cave in Adullam. In addition to family there seems to be a mixed bag of those “with issues.” “…those who were in distress or in debt or discontented…”Ā There were those who continued to join David, among this group were those of Saul’s relatives from the tribe of Benjamin.
This “rag tag” and diverse group formed the foundation for David’s coming kingdom. There were men who were brave and valiant warriors. “…archers who could use either the right or left hand, both to sling stones and shoot arrows from a bow.” Over the course of time more people joined David and they were all mighty fighting men. David had a group of “special forces.” They were not thousands in number, but they were skilled, brave and mighty in battle.
Many who began with David in exile, are those who remained with him throughout the days of his rule and were listed among his “mighty men.” Skillful, brave men who were loyal to David were a key to his accomplishments and the success of his rule.
As Saul dies and David goes to Hebron, there are those from various tribes that come to David’s side. Among those were the men of Issachar, “…who understood the times and knew what Israel should do…” This draws attention to another key to successful endeavors. Having wisdom and sensitivity to “the times” is vital to effective leadership. We live in changing and challenging times and the need to make adjustments and to know what to do and how to do it can make all the difference.
What we observe in David’s history as a leader has application for leaders, ministries, and organizations today.
1 – Sometimes the most “unlikely” become those that God uses to accomplish great things. Paul writes to the Church in Corinth and observes, “think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.” (1 Corinthians 1:26 NIV)
2 – Skill and loyalty are important for success. Skills may be developed, it may be possessed in greater measure by natural gifts and abilities. But having “equipped” “skillful” people makes or breaks a leader or organization.
3 – Insight and Strategy in partnership with talented and trained people is a powerful combination. This shows the diversity of gifts that are needed and the contribution of a variety of individuals that help form and shape a dynamic organization.
4 – The Lord draws people to leaders and organizations to enable them to accomplish their mission. We see that over the years David’s followers grew. During the years in exile, there were those who joined with him. When he was in Hebron there were those from various tribes, those that were ruled over by Saul’s son, who still came to David’s side. They did so because they recognized the Lord’s anointing on David.
We can observe throughout times is, in His ways and in His timing the Lord uses leaders and people to accomplish great things in accordance to His plan and purposes.