Succession Plan

Meditation
1 Chronicles 28:20—Then David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work.  Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you.  He won’t leave you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the LORD’s house is finished.
 
Consistently I am amazed at how many leaders have no succession plan.  So many families and organizations have needlessly suffered because their leader didn’t take the steps to ensure the success of those who would follow in his or her footsteps.

King David gives us a marvelous example of a great leader doing all he can to ensure the success of his son, Solomon.  Strong leaders understand that the key to their leadership is empowering for victory those who will follow them.  By doing so, they demonstrate the truth that “it is not all about me.”

Strong leaders’ have a clear vision.  King David’s vision was to build a temple for God knowing that if the Israelites were faithful in worshiping God they would be blessed.  Because of all the blood he shed as a warrior, God would not let David build Him a temple—that role was reserved for David’s son (22:8-10). Once God told him he would not be building the temple David, in disappointment, could have abandoned his vision.  Instead he helped his son.

Strong leaders’ prepare wisely to ensure success for their successors. David made extensive arrangements to draw up building plans, gather materials, cut finished stones, gather the right craftsmen, and ensure his son understood his vision (17:2-4,6,7,11).  “My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the LORD must be exceedingly great and famous and glorious in all the lands. Therefore, I must make provision for it” (22:5). David lavishly gave his own gold and silver and, paid for ample amounts of building materials, so Solomon was properly equipped (22:14; 29:2-4).

Strong leaders’ are all about teamwork.  David “ordered all the leaders of Israel to help his son Solomon” (22:17).  He reminded them that God gave their nation rest on every side from their enemies and that they had an obligation to wholeheartedly seek God and build His temple.  Later, he assembled all Israel’s leaders in Jerusalem and passionately reminded them of his vision and God’s selection of Solomon to carry it out (28:1-8). David’s generosity inspired Israel’s leaders to willingly give of their own possessions for God’s house.  This caused David and the whole nation to rejoice in God’s goodness (29:9). 

Finally, strong leaders’ know when the time is right to step aside.  Before David died, he encouraged Solomon.  He offered fatherly advice and ensured his son understood the task before him.  Solomon built the temple. For a period, Israel was the most powerful, wealthy and blessed nation on the earth.  So what’s your succession plan?  Have you prayerfully considered how you might make those around you better after you depart? 
 
Inspiration
You cannot be a true leader unless you are capable of charting a desired destination for your followers.—George Barna in The Power of Vision         
 
 
©2016 Daniel York  ARR. Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth. (Holman CSB)