Wise Use of Power
This morning it was a special treat to have Former Senator John Andrews as the guest speaker at Timberline Allies men’s ministry breakfast. John shared his testimony of faith and challenged men to be a “link” in the chain that leads others to Christ. We then had the opportunity to meet with Dick Foth. I knew these two men would have much in common about their commitment to Christ and His work and the political arena. I was pleased to have the opportunity to present both of these men a copy of my book in gratitude for their leadership, support and kind endorsement.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…Â âYou also know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me and what he did to the two commanders of Israelâs army, Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether. He murdered them in a time of peace to avenge blood shed in war. He spilled that blood on his own waistband and on the sandals of his feet. Act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head descend to Sheol in peace.” I Kings 2:5-6 HCSB
A leader may have power, but how and when that power is used is important. A leader understands that even if he is “king” with ultimate authority, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t need to be aware of other “power brokers” in his ranks.
This is observed in the Bible with the influence, popularity and acclaim, that was held by the general’s of Israel’s army. Joab was David’s nephew and was the leader of the military the entire time that David reigned as king. This placed Joab in a position of power an influence among the people.
As a result, when Joab acted wickedly, it placed David in a difficult position. Abner was King Saul’s military leader. When Saul’s son reigned for seven years during a time when Israel and Judah were divided, Joab killed Abner. David ordered all his men including Joab to mourn for Abner. However, David was in a difficult position, “Then the king said to his soldiers, âYou must know that a great leader has fallen in Israel today. As for me, even though I am the anointed king, I have little power today. These men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too fierce for me. May the Lord repay the evildoer according to his evil!â (2 Samuel 3:38,39 HCSB)
Abner’s death arose when King Ish-bosheth accused Abner of sleeping with one of Saul’s concubines. We read of Abner’s status, “During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner kept acquiring more power in the house of Saul.” (2 Samuel 3:6 HCSB)
As a result when Ish-bosheth accused Abner, he used that power to bring Ish-bosheth’s reign to an end. Abner said, âAll this time Iâve been loyal to the house of your father Saul, to his brothers, and to his friends and havenât handed you over to David, but now you accuse me of wrongdoing with this woman! May God punish Abner and do so severely if I donât do for David what the Lord swore to him: to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and establish the throne of David over Israel and Judah from Dan to Beer-sheba.âÂ
We then read, “…Ish-bosheth could not answer Abner because he was afraid of him.” (2 Samuel 8-11 HCSB)
In the New Testament we find the Pharisees, which possessed much power, also realized that it was tenuous and they had to be sensitive to the people that followed them. One one occasion we read where Jesus asked the Scribes and Pharisees about the ministry of John the Baptist, was it from heaven or men? The Pharisee’s reasoned, â…If we say, âFrom heaven,â he will ask, âThen why didnât you believe him?â But if we say, âOf human originâ . . . â (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.)” (Mark 11:31-32 NIV)
On another occasion they sought to arrest Jesus, and then had second doubts. “They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet.” (Matthew 21:46 NIV)
It is interesting today, how politicians and political leaders pay attention to the opinions of people. Public opinion polls and surveys often influence public policy much more than it is realized. At times an effort is made to gain public support of a policy to get action.
Once again, wise leaders know how to act and when to act. David had to wait until his son Solomon became King before judgment came upon Joab for his evil deeds. This was facilitated when Joab joined in supporting Adonijah’s attempt to gain David’s throne.
Even in their plot against Jesus, the religious leaders knew they had to wait for the “right opportunity” and get the people on “their side.” Today you will find public policy driven by public opinion on a variety of issues.
For those who want to be a friend of a leader it is good to use your “power” to “speak truth to power.” A wise leader will listen and take to heart the advice and counsel that is offered. For the leader, remember that time is on your side. Patience is a virtue and wisdom in taking action will result in the success or failure of an endeavor.