2 Samuel 13-18

In these chapters, we are reminded of a critical leadership principle, sin at high levels of leadership that goes unaddressed by the lead person will always have a terribly destructive impact. Always deal with sin, regardless of who is the malefactor. Here, we see David did not deal with the egregious sin of Amnon, thus creating a leadership vacuum, a vacuum that was filled by revolt. If David had dealt with Amnon appropriately, his kingdom would not have been jeopardized. A lapse of strength by the lead person invites rebellion!

In chapter 15, verse 6, we learn another key principal. While the lead person must share the affections and loyalties of the people, careful consideration must be given to whether or not those leaders sharing in the affections and the loyalties of the people are allowing that attention they receive to displace their devotion to the lead person. Otherwise, a fracturing of the whole is inevitable.

Betrayal is certainly a recurring theme throughout the history of Israel. In leadership, we must constantly weigh who is being truthful, who can we trust. Here in chapter 16 we see David being fooled by Ziba. It appears as though Ziba is helping David but as we progress, ultimately coming to 2 Samuel 19:24-30, we learn that Ziba had been lying to David about Mephibosheth. Here is the principle to follow, trust the character of the person you know, not the story being told about them in their absence. David knew Mephibosheth's heart and should not have been so easily persuaded by Ziba's lies.

As chapter 16 continues, we find a perplexing statement by David, that Shimei's curses were from God? David is demonstrating something that every leader needs, self-awareness. As we follow the life of David, we see that his love of violence exceeded the purposes of God in establishing Israel, his deceptiveness, his lust, and his failings as a father. While we know God will not allow the repentant heart to be overcome by the consequences of their sin, reciprocity still envelops us for a time, for a season, to remind us that there is price for lawlessness, a price once paid that hopefully motivate us more fully to righteousness. Leaders must be especially conscious of this as a leader's missteps affect the whole of which they lead.

Finishing this section in chapters 17 and 18...that which we gain through deception and rebellion will always be lost to us in turn!

Pastor Fred