By Myra Kahn Adams
Thanks for joining our study. This leadership topic will be a two-week series, today with the Old Testament and, next week, the New Testament. The topic was selected for reflection in accordance with tomorrow’s inauguration. If any readers have ever attended, you might agree with my observation that the spectacular and emotional ceremony did not feel political but more like a high holy event.
Inaugurations, especially the president’s inaugural address, are about leadership. So, let’s read about the wisdom offered in the Bible with its timeless lessons and examples of both good and bad, triumphs and failures.
In the Old Testament, four great leaders who were notably appointed by God stand out. In chronological order, Moses was succeeded by Joshua, then approximately 400 years later, King David was succeeded by his son King Solomon. Like all humans, they were flawed but had great faith in the God of Israel. They led by acknowledging and fearing His infinite power and glory.
The following passage speaks truth and offers leadership wisdom for the ages. In Exodus Chapter 18, Moses’ father-in-law Jethro, when he saw that Moses was overwhelmed, struggling, and burdened with the demands of leadership, taught him about the concept of leading through delegation. Jethro said to Moses:
“Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him. Teach them his decrees and instructions and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens (Exodus 18:19-21).
Earlier in Exodus 14, Moses led the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage through the Red Sea with God’s miraculous hand. Moses was a successful leader since he trusted God fully and completely. Through a challenging 40-year journey presiding over his often unruly flock, he exhibited essential leadership qualities such as perseverance and resilience.
Moses was usually obedient to the Lord. However, he received harsh punishment when he slipped up and angered God. As a result, Moses could not enter the Promised Land but could only see it from afar. For more on Moses, see Volumes 21; 26; 74; and 86.
Nonetheless, Moses never lost faith in God. Subsequently, he asked God to “appoint a man” to “lead them.” Moses’s request is recorded in Numbers 27:15-17, and God responded:
“‘Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit of leadership, and lay your hand on him’” (Numbers 27:18-23).
The book of Deuteronomy details the transfer of power from Moses to Joshua shortly before Moses died. Here is Joshua’s “inauguration” ceremony:
“Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, ‘Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged’” (Deuteronomy 31:7-8).
For more on Joshua’s faith and leadership, see Volume 89. Then, recently in 249, we discussed Joshua’s most famous verse: “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).
In the Old Testament, unwavering faith and obedience to God were the keys to successful leadership. Moses, Joshua, David, and Solomon all demonstrated that truth.
Throughout the life and reign of King David, devotion to God was central to his leadership. David needed and relied on deep faith to boost his courage in the face of adversity, which inspired him and united his people.
In the Psalms written by David, we read how he seeks God’s wisdom and strength. David is cognizant that successful leadership begins with and depends on him and his people to continuously seek God’s guidance and support in times of decision-making, failure, and after success, with much praise and thanksgiving. Here is a good example:
“Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the heavens. You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!” (Psalm 68:34-35).
Learn more about David in Volumes 99; 139; 156; 158; and 189.
Finally, there is King Solomon, about whom I wrote a three-part series, Volumes 231; 232; and 233.
What stands out about his leadership is what he is most known for to this day – wisdom. Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead God’s people when he could have asked for anything including wealth and power. As a result, the Lord was impressed and gave him abundant wisdom, wealth, power, and honor. Solomon said to God:
“‘Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?’ God said to Solomon, ‘Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have’” (2 Chronicles 1:10-12).
Solomon is also credited with writing most but not all Proverbs. Here are two about ruling a nation:
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers” (Proverbs 11:14).
“When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan” (Proverbs 29:2).
See you next week about leadership in the New Testament.
In closing, I ask the Lord to shower blessings upon our nation, President Trump, and all our leaders. Amen!
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer with numerous national credits. Her book, “Bible Study For Those Who Don’t Read The Bible,” reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. “Part 2,” with the same title, reprints Vols. 57-113. Order it here.
She is also the Executive Director of the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit, dedicated to building a future permanent Shroud of Turin exhibit in Washington, D.C. In July, The National Shroud of Turin Exhibit hosted a four-day exhibit (with a VIP guest) at the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, IN. Contact: <MyraAdams01@gmail.com>
