Solomon: Courage, Wisdom and Leadership Part 2

David was a fighter and a lover. Solomon was a sage; thoughtful and intentional. 

 

David was passionate and charismatic. Solomon was diligent and wise. 

 

David led with passion. Solomon led with wisdom. 

 

David was a leader. Solomon was a leader too. 

 

Ever meet a leader? A leader of leaders? What is the source of their powerful persona? What is the source of their dynamic energy? 

 

Recently I listened to an interview of a man who worked closely with Michael Jordan during his comeback years with the Bulls. He said that the first time he met Jordan, as he walked toward him, even before he shook his hand, he could feel the energy in the air coming from Jordan’s persona. 

 

There is a source of energy and power that leaders in this world tap into in the most unusual way. From Alexander the Great to Julius Caesar to Winston Churchill to Barack Obama and Donald Trump, there is a unique energy that surrounds their being. Their force of power produces massive influences of energy; creating loyal follow-ship with advancing movements and accomplishments. 

 

Often, motivational speakers claim that we all have the energy within us to do whatever we set our minds to do. There is some truth to this statement, but anything that resides within us is ultimately mortal, fleshly and unsustainable. 

 

The great leaders of this world tap into a deeper power within themselves. They cultivate their inner power deeply but they tend to take action without considering the power and sovereignty of God.  

 

But God’s man has more. He has a deeper source of leadership energy that has power beyond this world.  

 

The man of God is different. God’s man does not depend upon a source of power within himself. His source is actually outside of himself. The man of God seeks wisdom from outside his own mortal being. Instead, he lives within the shelter of the Most High and abides in the shadow of the Almighty, (Psalms 91:1). 

 

The man of God who leads with grace and influence lives in a perpetual state of seeking.  

 

Consider Solomon! Solomon was in his early 20’s when he was anointed King of Israel while David was near death. Before David passed, he charged Solomon with the mantle of leadership and called him to walk with God in courage and diligence. David charges Solomon with this: 

 

Be strong, therefore, and show yourself a man. I Kings 2:2 

 

David is telling Solomon to grow up and be a man. But what does it mean to be a Man? When David tells Solomon to man up, what does he really mean? 

 

David continued with his charge to Solomon and defines what it means when he says:  

 

Keep the charge of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statues, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the Law of

Moses, that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn … I Kings 2.3-4 

 

Allow me to break this down: 

• Solomon was a young king with a massive responsibility. Most young men would melt under the intense pressure and responsibility. If you have never had a position of large-scale responsibilities encompassing thousands of dependent people upon your decision-making ability, you might not realize the internal grinder that turns within the heart and soul of such a leader. 
• Yes, large-scale leaders usually have nice cars, expensive homes, private jets, etc. But for the many who attain such lofty positions with honor and integrity, they have churned and agonized over massively pressing decisions that affect thousands of people in varying manners and levels of impact. 
• Large-scale leadership is not for the faint of heart. David tells Solomon it is time to grow up and be a man. David says man up my son! 
• What does David mean when he says, man-up? Does he mean be strong, independent, self-reliant; relying on his own good judgement? NO! NOT AT ALL! 
• David says lead by following. Lead by submitting. Lead by living in a perpetual state of seeking … seeking God, His Word and His wisdom. 

 

God’s man, who is called to large-scale leadership, must lead under the shelter of the Most High and the shadow of the Almighty. 

 

God’s man who leads at scale begins his day on his knees. The balance of his day is standing! His movement is forward, whispering and listening to God, taking action with humble confidence in God, the source of his power and wisdom.  

 

As he moves forward throughout the day, he stops to listen to those around him, whether pauper or prince, knowing that God could use any voice to speak further clarity into his heart and mind. He considers the data provided to him, he reads the faces of those in his presence, he scans the scene for enemies inside and out, he listens to trusted advisors, he taps into the principles of wisdom he has studied and memorized from the sacred text —all this while taking action. Often, massive action.

Solomon was such a leader. More next time. 

 

Father, whether we lead or follow in this world, may we first and foremost be followers of You in all areas of our lives. May we live in a perpetual state of seeking Your Word, Your wisdom and Your will. Lead us on the path of righteousness, for Your glory! Amen!