Thursday, May 28, 2009

Bowing To His People

2 Samuel 18:4 KJV
And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands.

What a lesson in humility is here. King David could have commanded his armies in battle and indeed had done so successfully many times. It was the manner of kings in those days to fight alongside of their men.

As king, David also had authority to override these wishes of his people. Especially in this battle, David had an interest in the outcome; not only in that they win but that they do so without costing the life of Absalom.

Yet David condescended to the wishes of his people in this case.

All of us would do well to be sensitive enough to listen to those around us. We may not always feel like we can bow to their wishes. Indeed, if a leader did it every time he would be no leader. But to be humble enough to listen to the people around us and not shut off their desires out of hand; to listen and discern if their desires are of the Lord in each case: that is always wise.

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