The New Boss

I Chronicles 1-5

A mistake many new bosses make when they begin the job is to try and make a name for themselves. They come in heavy handed and want to let everyone know that they are in charge. In their mind, weakness must not be shown. Otherwise, they will never have the respect of the staff. However, you cannot fix that which needs fixing, until you know what "it" is. This requires a time of observing and leaving things running the same for a time (unless the same is dangerous, illegal, or immoral).

That is exactly what King Solomon did when he took the throne. He did not try to make a name for himself. He continued with David's initiatives until they were completed. We see this in both I Kings and II Chronicles. The first 5 chapters give us insight into this.

In chapter 1, Solomon goes to the tabernacle to offer sacrifices. He calls all of the national leaders to join him. The sacrifices are offered because he wants God's blessing on his reign, and what he is about to do. He is not doing his own thing and asking God to bless it, he is doing God's thing and asking God to bless it. He starts his reign by going to God first.

After offering the sacrifices and praying, God appeared to Solomon in a dream. God told Solomon to ask him for anything and he would give it to him. Solomon asked for wisdom to lead God's people. God tells him that because he did not ask for wealth, power, or long life, he would give him wisdom, plus all the other.

Finally, Solomon went about acquiring gold, silver, chariots, and horses. The text says silver and gold were so abundant that they were like stones in Israel. Israel prospered under Solomon's wise rule.

In chapter 2, Solomon begins preparing to build the Temple. He works out a deal with Huram, King of Tyre, to get the lumber he needs. He also gets a skilled artisan to do the metal work for the Temple. Again, Solomon uses his God given wisdom, this time for diplomacy. And so, supplies are sent for the building of the Temple.

In chapters 3 and 4, the building begins. The site of the build is the threshing floor of Ornan. If you remember, this is the land that was purchased by David to offer sacrifices to stop the judgment of God because of David's census. Now, this land on which sacrifices had been offered to save the nation of Israel would be the sight of thousands upon thousands of other sacrifices being offered for centuries to come.

We also read about the specifications of the Temple and the objects of the Temple. These plans are the ones David developed before he died. Solomon did not throw them out and do things his way, he continued with what the previous administration had started. Obviously, it was a good plan.

In chapter 5, the building is complete. Everything is ready. There is one thing that was not created new, and that is the Ark of God. Solomon sends the priests to go and get the ark, and to bring it to the new Temple. The building and all the instruments are sanctified by the priests. Then the Ark is carried in the to Most Holy Place and the priests take the staves out of the ark because it is in its final resting place, never intending to be moved again. The singers sing and the musicians play. Then, the cloud of the presence of God enters the Most Holy Place and dwells above the Ark, between the Cherubim. God is pleased.

The people loved David. Had Solomon came in heavy handed and tried to exert his authority by stepping on the name of David, the people would have revolted. We will see the next king of Israel do that very thing, and it will not go well for him. When we are in a position of authority, we need to follow this example.

Just like Solomon, the best thing to do is begin with prayer. Solomon asked for God's blessing on him and the kingdom he was leading. This required wisdom that Solomon knew he did not possess. So, he asked God for it and God heard his prayer. We should do the same.

This is not only a problem for bosses, but also for pastors taking new churches. The same temptation is there. You want to come in and be your own man. You want people to know that you are not the previous pastor. If the previous pastor was run off, it is good for people to know that you are not like him. However, if the previous pastor was beloved by that people, you certainly do not want to trample on his name. We must being by asking for wisdom.

Next, get to know your people. Solomon knew the people because he was one of them. However, there was a transition period before he began the massive project of building the Temple. The building of the Temple would be taxing financially and physically on the people. The people needed to know that Solomon was someone they could trust before they gave themselves to his service; before they followed him.

God, help me to seek your wisdom daily. Help me to be a patient leader that people will follow. Help me to not seek to make a name for myself, but to seek your glory. Father protect me from these temptations that Satan tries to throw at us do cause harm to your church. May you be glorified through all we do !