National Guard, Cabinet, and an Inauguration

I Chronicles 27-29

Leadership changes hands. That is a given. Whether it is because of retirement, promotion, demotion, firing, death, or a complete job change, those who are in charge are only there for a period of time before someone else takes over. The transition of power is what can make or break an institution.

During my time at the prison, I worked for 3 different wardens and 1 interim warden. While the first 3 had their pros and cons, I never did like the last one. Part of that was due to the way he transitioned into power. We were going through a very difficult time, not of our own making. There were a lot of changes going on at the state level, and we were left to deal with the fallout. Riots, murders, and assaults on staff were all too common. Weapons were found by the dozens. It was a high stress time. Needless to say, when you are literally fighting for your life, using force by the book is not always followed. This led Atlanta to decide that we needed new leadership.

I was called into a staff meeting, along with many other officers, because the deputy commissioner wanted to talk to us. I didn't want to be there, but when someone of that rank calls, you answer. I will never forget how he opened is speech when he took the floor, "You are broken and Warden XXXXX is here to fix you." From that point on, the new warden never had a chance. Even if his statement had been true, that was a terrible way to introduce a new boss. So much for in inaugural address! After an introduction like that, nobody was listening!

In chapter 27, the writer introduces David's National Guard. David had a full time army, but not full time soldiers. To use American vernacular, a unit would be activated for a period of time, then the next unit would be activated. In between periods of being activated, these men were farmers, builders, shepherds, or whatever other job they might have. They took care of their families and homes. We also learn that Joab was the General of the army.

We also see David's cabinet. He had princes over the tribes (v. 16-22). We would think of these like governors who represented their home states. He also had his secretaries (25-34). There was a secretary of the treasury (king's treasury), the federal reserve (storehouses), secretary of transportation (camels), several secretaries of agriculture, and other positions. We might even think of Joab as Secretary of Defense because he was very influential in the kings decision making.

In chapter 28, David reveals his plans for the future of Israel. While David had been a king of war, he wanted his legacy to be the Temple. The Temple was his plan, and his preparation, and he wanted to be remembered for that, though he did not get to build it. (Politics aside) We heard a lot about legacy at the end of President Obama's second term. The Affordable Healthcare Act (Obama Care) was to be his legacy. He worked had to get it passed and in place before his term ended. David is doing kind of the same thing here. Even though it will not be build by him, he wants everything in place so that Solomon can build what He (David) had prepared.

Chapter 29 is Inauguration Day. Usually about 1/2 the country is happy on January 20 following an election, and the other half is upset. While we do not read about it here, the same is true with Solomon becoming the new king. However, Solomon is who God selected to be the next king, and David sees to it that he is on the throne. David gives a speech in both 28 and 29 in which he turns over the plans to the Temple, challenges Solomon, and then praises God. Solomon's challenge is to not only build the Temple, but follow God and serve him.

Because of the effort that David put into the transition of the throne, Solomon had a good start. David did not try to undermine his successor. David provided him with everything he could to be a good king. David also prayed for Solomon and the people. Not only was the prayer important, but it set an example of the importance of seeking God and his favor for Solomon and the people. David knew this was the key to his success, and would be the key to Solomon's success, if he used it.

How do we prepare for our next generation of leaders? Who will be the next leader in our family? Who will be the next pastor of our church? The next song leader? The next Sunday school teacher? Are we being intentional in our prayers for, and preparing of our next leaders? Do we support them and teach that a transition is not a bad thing, if God is behind it? Moses groomed Joshua for the job of leading Israel. Jesus trained his disciples to be the church and to grow the church.

Lord, help me to not be shortsighted in trying to hold on to the positions I have, but to look towards the future. Help me to not neglect the present for the future, but to know that my family, my church, and my job are all bigger than me. They will all go on long after I am gone, unless you return. Help me to be faithful in preparing others to do those jobs after me.