Calendar Date: May 19
Day of the Year: 139
Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): 1Kings 2:13–3:15; 2Chronicles 1:1-13; 1Kings 3:16-28; Psalm 50
New Leaders | 4 Challenges
It’s not always possible, but it’s beneficial for new leaders to begin well. If early on, they show themselves wise by listening to good counsel and being decisive; it inspires confidence in their followers. Here are four challenges for new leaders and what can or should be done.
1. New Leaders and the Challenge of Direction
Sometimes changes are needed. Before making them, however, consider if they're necessary. If the previous administration led with success and clear direction, then the new leadership would be wise to continue the course. King Solomon followed the ways of his father, King David—he sought the LORD. Later, he got distracted by wealth, power, and women, but he started off right.
2. New Leaders can Face Competition or Threats
Before King David died, he took action against his son Adonijah, who was conspiring to take his place. As David promised the nation, he immediately placed his young son Solomon on the throne and had the people proclaim him as king. Those who were following Adonijah disbanded and fled, fearing punishment for their treachery.
After David’s death, Solomon deals with potential coups. To do this, Solomon removes old enemies of his father by having them killed.
Should we do this? No, that’s a government function. We’re committed to peace, but if our rightful leadership is challenged, we will respond with wisdom and firmness.
3. New Leaders and the Challenge of Alliances
Not only does young Solomon have a new job, but he also gets married. She’s a princess from Egypt, and the marriage is a political alliance (1 Kings 3:1). His marriage to a non-Israelite is an early mistake. A partnership with Egypt is unacceptable to God because she worships pagan gods, the same gods that led Israel astray in the wilderness. She would’ve influenced him and their children to worship her country’s idols. We know these alliances would be a problem in his old age after he’s married many foreign women (1Kings 11:1-9)
We mustn’t make alliances with ungodly people if we want our Christian marriage, business, organization, or institution to prosper. The Apostle Paul warns Christians, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14, NIV)
Many Israelites, including Solomon, sought the LORD by worshipping him at high places like their pagan neighbors (1Kings 3:3). Despite being in Jerusalem, David hadn’t brought the altar, worship items, and tent with the Ark of the Covenant. These places of worship, however, were offensive to God. Solomon would soon make a change to remedy that.
What are we hanging onto in our lives that is offending God? We should be careful of our alliances; they can bring us shame and ruin. Let’s get rid of them and worship God.
4. New Leaders need Wisdom to make Hard Decisions
Other than not worshipping in Jerusalem and marrying a foreign wife, Solomon is devoted and shows his love for God by following the instructions of his father, David. One Jewish hymn writer says, “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have understanding. To him [God] belongs eternal praise” (Psalm 111:10, NIV).
Solomon is king over all Israel. This is an enormous responsibility. One night, God appears to Solomon in a dream and tells him to ask for whatever he wishes. Realizing he’s young and inexperienced, Solomon asks for wisdom and discernment for governing Israel (1 Kings 3:4-15; 2 Chronicles 1:7-10). God’s pleased with his request. The LORD gives him wisdom and understanding, plus what he hasn’t asked for—riches, honor, and long life (if he will obey the LORD).
If God has given us responsibilities, let’s ask him for wisdom and understanding to help us carry them out to please him. Because of our unselfishness, he’ll bless us (although not necessarily in the same way he promises Solomon).
Here’s one example of Solomon’s superior wisdom. A certain child dies because his mother rolled over on him. The other is sleeping against his mother’s breast. In the middle of the night, one woman switches babies and claims it’s her son. After he listens to the quarreling of two women over the identity of an infant, he proposes to cut the live child in two! Horrified, the real mother pleads for mercy to save the child’s life! She asks Solomon to give the living child to the other woman. Solomon sees the unmistakable love of a mother for her child and rightly perceives her to be the birth mother. He gives the infant to her.
Are any of us facing hard decisions? The brother of our Lord Jesus says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him,” (James 1:5, NIV). Do we know him? (more)
Focus Verse
Proverbs 9:10 (NIV) “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Discussion
All leaders would like to start well, but how can people gain confidence in them?
What are some things that new leaders may have to deal with right away? What should they be careful of?
Leaders should be teachable. When and for what should we ask God for wisdom?
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod, the author
Looking Ahead: In our next two lessons, Solomon builds the temple of God, where the LORD will dwell. What makes a house a home?Back to top of page
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