Read 2 Samuel 2:4-7 – Then the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, “The men of Jabesh Gilead were the ones who buried Saul.” So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead, and said to them, “You are blessed of the Lord, for you have shown this kindness to your lord, to Saul, and have buried him. And now may the Lord show kindness and truth to you. I also will repay you this kindness, because you have done this thing. Now therefore, let your hands be strengthened, and be valiant; for your master Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.” (NKJV)
A lesser king might have been threatened by the allegiance shown to Saul by the men of Jabesh Gilead. They had risked their lives to take his body (and Jonathan’s) from the wall where their enemies had hung them. They had honored the former king and mourned for him as faithful servants. Now anointed king, David affirms and applauds their graciousness, thus joining their effort of honor. The likely result is to gain the respect of worthwhile servants. As leaders, how we approve those who honor our predecessor is a key move in effective transition. When we honor the past, those who value the former days grow in respect for us. Those leaders who attack the past, however, often make poorly informed statements that alienate those who lived those days. Building your strength on perceived weaknesses of the past never proves to be a healthy strategy. If yesterday’s failures need to be underscored, let those who lived them speak from their experience while you give value to yesterday’s successes.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
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