1 Chronicles 28:1-21

Transitions in leadership are a very dangerous times for nations and ministries.  As David nears the end of his life and reign over Israel, he does a very wise and important thing: he calls the people together and makes it very clear who his successor will be and he challenges both the people and his son to be faithful.  Since David had many sons from many different wives, the line of succession could have been difficult for people to determine and the ensuing struggle for power could have created division in the nation or led to a great amount of bloodshed as his sons fought one another for the position of power.  But transitions are not just dangerous because of power struggles in order to establish new leadership.  They are also dangerous because it is an easy time for a loss of vision or a change in purpose to occur in the nation or ministry.  David wants to make sure that there are no power struggles or change in direction for the nation of Israel when he is gone.  Leaders today would be wise to follow this example.

DAVID CHOOSES SOLOMON TO BE HIS SUCCESSOR: As David prepares for his death, he calls all the leaders of the nation together in order to both review all that God has done for him as well as reveal who God wants to lead the nation after him.  David reminds the people of how God had chosen him to be king and continues to be amazed at God’s goodness to him.  David shows humility as a leader in that he does not brag about all that he has accomplished; rather he points with amazement and praise at all that God has done.  David also tells the people about his purpose to build a temple for the Ark and a place of worship for the nation.  He makes it clear to the people that God had prohibited him from building the temple but had revealed to him that his son Solomon would be the one chosen to complete this task.  This declaration did two things: it made it very clear who the next king would be and it set the agenda for the next administration.  David wants it to be crystal clear in everyone’s mind; who the next leader will be and what that leader is called to do.  We need to make sure that all of us understand that God is in charge of rising up and taking down leaders.  He is also in charge of dictating what we are to accomplish.  We are not free to set up our own agendas but our job is to accomplish the purpose that God has revealed to us in His Word.  As leaders we also need to recognize that it is our job to make the transition in leadership as smooth as possible.

DAVID CHALLENGES SOLOMON TO BE SUCCESSFUL: David’s next priority is to have a word of instruction and inspiration with his son Solomon.  He calls Solomon and lets him know that He will be the next leader but he challenges him to be a faithful and courageous leader.  David has set the stage for Solomon to be very successful, however, he wants to warn Solomon that it is his responsibility to fulfill God’s Word and will for his life.  David points to the blessings of God that will come from obedience but he also warns him of the consequences that will come from disobedience.  This is such an important concept for every father to pass on to his son and for every leader to pass on to his successor.  We must never presume that the blessings of the past will automatically follow into the future independently of how we act.  God has promised to bless obedience and faith but He has promised to punish rebellion and pride.  David does all that is in his power to challenge his son and successor to be successful in his pursuit of God and fulfillment of God’s will.  It is the job of the current generation to inspire and challenge the next generation to greatness before God.  A leader’s job in not done until he has adequately chosen and challenged his successor.