Tale of Two Leaders

I recently reflected upon two biblical leaders. After reading their stories and thinking a bit, I offer some observations, thoughts and reflections about their failures and successes. And some application, for each one of us who are given the opportunity – and privilege - to lead others.

In 1 Kings, chapter 12, we see that Rehoboam, son of Solomon, failed to exercise his leadership with any real success. All of Israel came to Shechem to make him king, and it seems that he did have a great deal of popular support. However, he soon squandered that.

The new king was asked by Jeroboam and the entire assembly to “be considerate and lighten the load upon the people.” They assured him that such leadership would lead to their “followership,” saying “we will serve you” (if you listen to our concerns).

Rehoboam sought counsel from two diverse sources. First, he heard from the older men of his inner circle. They wisely advised him to “be a servant to this people, answer them well, and they will serve you forever.” Scripture tells us that, unfortunately, Rehoboam rejected their sage advice.

Then the throne turned to younger men (evidently Rehoboam’s peers), who said essentially that he ought to chastise the whiners, assert his authority and power, and aggressively enforce his very high standards.” Such talk appealed to the King’s pride and ego, and it seems, was irresistible.

We see in verse 15 the sad account of the decision Rehoboam made. He “did not hearken to the people” – dismissed their concerns – and in return, Israel revolted and instead followed Jeroboam.

Rehobaom showed arrogance, egotism, selfishness and foolishness. The outcome was a “divided kingdom” for the next 444 years. His poor leadership affected ten generations to come.

On the other hand, a man who had to deal with the effects of that divided kingdom, Nehemiah, was found to be a godly, effective leader of Jeruselem. After the Babylonians had captured Jerusalem and carried away captives, the holy city was left virtually destroyed. The story is chronicled in Nehemiah.

Chapter one records the beginnings of this leader. When Nehemiah learned of Jeruselem’s disrepair, he sat down and wept, mourned for days, and continued to fast and pray. A leader who cared, genuinely, about the city and its inhabitants, was about to be released by God to do a great work there! It started with his heart and humility.

Some time later (as detailed in Nehemiah chapter 5), after he started the rebuilding process, Nehemiah heard about injustice among the people. A practice of greed and usury was being carried out, even as he was attempting a bit work which could hardly afford for any lack of unity among the people. His response was not to overlook or ignore the situation. Instead, he expressed empathy and then called people (vision) to something better: treat each other fairly, justly, selflessly. And then, in effect, he said to them, “And I will show you what that looks like.”

He demonstrated sensitivity to the people’s sufferings by not laying heavy burdens or taxation upon them. Nehemiah reflected humility before God by refusing the trappings of power. He lived a life of frugality when he refused the typically generous governor’s food portions which were standard for those public officials. He showed a spirit of inclusion when he regularly invited quite a diverse cross-section of guests at his meals.

Nehemiah accomplished much with little – and in only 52 days the walls of Jerusalem, decrepit for so long, were rebuilt sufficiently to protect the refuges there and keep them safe from attack. He led wisely and with personal godliness, humility, empathy, and vision. He is often looked to as a very effective, successful leader.

The applications we can take from these two men are numerous. I could make a long list of ‘do’s and don’ts” but will try to boil my own thoughts down to two points. First, when we lead out of our own egotistical needs and with indifference toward our followers, we often cultivate difficulty and even disaster. This was tragically the case for Rehoboam.

Second, and conversely, when we lead with godly humility and with sensitivity to our followers and their concerns, we will often find great things happen. People will follow us more willingly and through hardship and challenges when we first show we care.

Followers want to know we care. When they have that assurance, as seen by our actions and attitudes, they’ll likely follow us through many difficulties and challenges.