His father was the wisest man who ever lived.
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With his father deceased, how could he ever fill his father’s shoes? To keep up his lifestyle and to build the kingdom, his father had heavily taxed the people and forced them to labour for little reward.
Seeking some relief from the previous regime, the people requested more kindness from their new king.
The Jewish king Rehoboam sought advice from various consultants.
His young companions told him to threaten to impose even greater taxes and harder living.
However, the experienced advisors told him to cut the people some slack. It was good advice.
“If you will be a servant to these people today, and serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever.” (1 Kings 12:7). He chose to ignore this wisdom.
Upon hearing that he would be even tougher than his father, most of his subjects defected that same day. It caused a split in the kingdom that took many hundreds of years to heal.
If only he had listened to the counsel of those who knew better.
We sometimes see leaders who promise great things, and then switch to self-serving mode when in power.
We need leaders today who are willing to lead us where we need to go; not to some surprise destination determined by their own self-interests. We need servant leaders - people who will stay true to principle, even if it means some personal pain along the way.
We need leaders who are willing to stand up for right, regardless of what the majority might be doing. We need people who understand the challenges that our residents face, and are willing to be used in assisting them and lightening their burdens.
It’s easy to follow a leader when you know that they have your interests at heart.
It reminds me of Jesus, the ultimate servant-leader.
The story of His coming to earth reminds us of the irresistible influence of loving service.
I’m asking Him to give us all that same attitude.
If only leaders today would follow Rehoboam’s experienced counsellors.
If you serve them, they will serve you.