How to be a Good King

1 Kings 12:1-17,1 Kings 12:25-29

Who do you listen to?  Where do you go for advice?  And when you don't hear what you want to hear, what do you do next? 

I've never had the opportunity to lead a kingdom, but I hope I would do a better job than the guy we read about in today's verses in I Kings. 

Rehoboam, Solomon's son and the heir apparent to the throne of the Kingdom of Israel, was ready to rule.  The people told him NOT to put a heavy yoke on them as his father did (high taxes and forced labor) and they would willingly serve him.  These were the elders of the kingdom - they had seen the damage that these high taxes had inflicted on the people.

Rehoboam must not have liked that advice, so he turned to his younger friends.  These young men, who grew up with Rehoboam, scoffed at the elders' advice.  They urged Rehoboam to tax the people even more heavily.

So Rehoboam went with the advice he liked, and gathered the people together again, and told them his decision:

"My father made your yoke heavy; I will make it heavier.  My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions."

You know the result:  the kingdom split into two, and years and years of strife followed.  (Jeroboam worked hard to be a better leader, but even he made mistakes as you can read in verses 25-29.)

History has countless examples of leaders who abused their power.  Today's verses are but one example.  But how does this apply to our lives?  I don't think I have any kings reading this blog, but I do have people in positions of leadership in their companies, their churches, and their homes.  We're all tempted to be like Rehoboam at one point or another - it's my way or the highway.  God's word is clear that that mindset will only lead to destruction.

With Rehoboam and Jeroboam in mind, take a look at what Jesus said about how to be a leader:

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42-45)

Lord,  Forgive me, Lord, when I want to be in charge more than I want to serve. Help me to take up my cross and follow you.  Your burden is easy, and your yoke is light.  Amen.