Sermon: How To Support Leadership
Text: 1Ch 12:32, 38 And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment. 38 “All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king.
Introduction: In today's world, knowing what to do in times of crisis can give a nation or a person the needed advantage to overcome adverse situations. But not knowing what to do can spell more trouble, anxiety, and fear breeding more uncertainty and confusion. This is true in every age. Since the day man was driven from the Garden of Eden, the world has been plagued with problems. So, today’s problems of the coronavirus, inflation, war and division, all come with unique challenges for leadership. However, in times of crisis, the bottom line is that those with the understanding of the times tend to offer the antidotes and lead the way out of the confusion caused by the crisis.
When we speak about leadership, it’s not unusual to discuss the role of a leader in supporting others. But how often do we think about how we can support our leaders? Few people—if any—have it at the top of their mind, but it only makes sense. Since success comes from partnership, collaboration, and cooperation, why should support be a one-way street? Maybe it’s time to start thinking about how you can support your pastors, your apostles, or your leaders to maximize their success.
Even leaders who possess outstanding qualities need support. They are men of the moment, born for a time like these. They are those on the right side of history, stationed in the right place at the right time. They are the ordinary persons, sometimes unrecognized by the world, levelheaded, unmoved by the glitter of this world, who possess a servant's heart. They are always ready to stand up for what is just, true, virtuous, and right. As we look around and observe the culture, the governing principle of servant hearted people are in short supply. The Bible records many interesting examples of how leadership should respond amid crises. Today’s lesson occurs during the transition of power from King Saul to David, the humble shepherd of Israel, when the nation’s future was uncertain.
The situation in Israel became so fluid with changing circumstances due to the tragic defeat of Israel’s army and the death of king Saul and his sons. The unity of the nation was threatened as David was about to be crowned King of Israel. The former King of Israel, Saul was dead and the leaders of the tribe of Benjamin wanted one of Saul’s sons, Ishbosheth, to be crowned as the successor to the throne. Many others thought David who Samuel had anointed should be king, so they met in Hebron to crown David king and turn the kingdom over to Him.
When there is crisis in the kingdom, there is a great need for leadership from persons of great wisdom who can discern the times. Great leaders are revealed during time of crisis. So, at this point in Israel’s history, rose two hundred men of the tribe of Issachar, who lent their support to make David king. They were men who understood what was happening and knew exactly what to do. And the Bible said, "And of the children of Issachar, men that had the understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment (1 Chronicles 12:32).
The Hebrew word for understanding means to separate something mentally, and to differentiate its component parts. It is used to describe those who has insight into a matter, circumstance, and acts with prudence. Their actions revealed the presence of unusual intelligence, wisdom, and spiritual knowledge. They understood the facts of a matter with clarity and knew what is at stake. They were not ashamed to use the God-given skill to analyze what was happening, what it meant, and what must be done. The men of Issachar could discern the times and analyze situation. So, they knew the climate and correctly perceived the consequences of what those times were all about. They could see the larger picture.
It has been so encouraging to see some pastors, deacons, trustees, and church members not missing a beat during this crisis. Like the helper of Nehemiah, you have worked with a trial in one hand and a sword in the other, they have kept the sanctuary a safe, clean, and comfortable place for people to worship. They have provided aid to the hungry, comfort to the dying and consolation to the bereaved.
When Jacob was about to die, he spoke the blessing of the Father to his sons. Issachar was given an unusual word of prophesy. This impartation of a father was not an expression of Jacob’s private feelings of affection, resentment, or partiality; but the Holy Spirit used Jacob to declare the purpose of God respecting the character, circumstances, and situation of the tribes of the sons of Jacob. Notice the prophesy to Issachar.
Ge 49:14, 15 14 “Issachar is a sturdy donkey, resting between two saddlepacks. [a] 15 When he sees how good the countryside is and how pleasant the land, he will bend his shoulder to the load and submit himself to hard labor.”
The tribe of Issachar is described as a strong people who bowed their shoulders to bear a burden and worked hard. In other words, they would be distinguished by two qualities (1) for their ability and readiness to labor, (2) for their quiet, patient, and industrious habits, who preferred to live at home rather than engage in wars or public affairs.
Issachar was a lover of peace and pasture. His lot was joined with Zebulun, both because they were brethren by father and mother. The tribe of Issachar would find contentment in the management of land and raising cattle, living quietly in thy own possessions. Please don’t mistake the children of Issachar as cowards or fearful because in the song of Deborah, this tribe is praised for their powerful assistance in battle. (Judges 5:15). And in 1Ch 7:1-5, they are called valiant men of might in all their families, and in all their generations; throughout every period of their history. They were a laborious, hardworking, patient in labor and invincible in war; bearing both burdens with great faithfulness whenever it was necessary. Somehow the tribe of Issachar was a tribe who knew when to fight and when to fold, when to contend and when to compromise. There were times when they fought against opposition but at other times, they became a servant and pay tribute. Hear the words of our key verse again,
1Ch 12:32 “From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.”
Theologians have described the children of Issachar as men of good experience in star gazing, like astronomers, and astrologers. These men fixed calendars, set the beginning of years, months, and planting seasons. They were skillful in recognizing the changes of times. These men were chiefs among the Sanhedrin, who excelled in the study of the law, and were endowed with unusual wisdom, and their brethren were obedient to their command.
It appears that because of their wisdom, experience, and knowledge, their brethren had the fullest confidence in their judgment, and all were willing to follow their direction and advice. The men of Issachar had a proven track record of success. Now, these men recognized this was the proper season for making David king. Now that Saul and his sons were dead; David was the right person most likely to subdue the Philistines and liberate Israel. This was David’s moment. although the Prophet Samuel had anointed David, the son of Jesse to be Israel’s next king, David had successful conquered many enemies, if he is going to be king, he needs support. He has carried the king’s anointing for 20 years and God’s blessing, yet he needs support.
What a great blessing to any people to have God favored leadership. For that leader to have men of understanding, wisdom, might is a great blessing to the leader. Men in the know are needed in the affairs of the state, the nation, and the church in times of crisis. When God raises them up and give them one heart to engage in his service, it is an indication of God’s great mercy, and blessing. We as His people should offer thanksgiving to God for the gift of godly leadership.
The men if Issachar knew how to farm and to fight. They understood the times, the seasons naturally, spiritually, and politically. They knew when to sow, how to sow, what to sow and when to reap. This made them productive. If you are going to command the allegiance of others, you need to be productive. A good reputation earns respect and commands allegiance. When leadership has been productive, have a proven reputation, exercise care for the people and love for God, they deserve our support.
In all human affairs, both public and private, the success or disappointment of leadership depends on the support of others. The men of our text perceived that it was both their duty and in the best interest of Israel to support David as king of Israel. While Saul lived and reigned, they served Saul. During the period of unrest while the nation was divided under Abner and Ishbosheth, they were still, but as soon as Abner was dead. They rallied the nation behind David. I chronicle 12, reveal some interesting characteristic of these men and how best to support leadership.
“38 All these, being men of war arrayed in battle formation, came to Hebron with a perfect (committed) heart to make David king over all Israel; and all the rest of Israel were also of one mind to make David king. 39They were there with David for three days, eating and drinking, for their relatives had prepared for them.” Amp
1Ch 12:38 “All these men of war, that could keep rank (maintain protocol), came with a perfect heart (Make up Mind) to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were (unified in purpose) of one heart to make David king. KJV
How can we best support and celebrate leadership? Be the right kind of followers!
1. Be followers who can keep their rank. – The term “rank” is a military term that describes men of war arrayed in battle formation, to march in perfect order, in straight lines, none crossing the other's track. The Hebrew word for rank means to function in a prescribe arrangement; specifically, be set in order, in an ordered place, rank, row. These men understood the lines of authority and functioned within their limitations. They recognized that rank is not bondage, rank is freedom! They were willing to be under authority and to operate properly in authority. They understood proper protocol. It is hard to lead people who will not maintain their rank. How can we best support and celebrate leadership? Be the right kind of followers who maintain their rank!
2. Be followers who support with a perfect heart - These men possessed a complete (committed) heart (literally or figuratively). They had silenced the murmuring of their own hearts and were committed to the right thing. Their hearts were committed, friendly, full, righteous, agreeable. They had peace within themselves because they had quieted every contrary voice. They were whole in their determination and direction. They were no longer caught in indecision. They were no longer trapped between desiring the past and paralyzed to move forward. The had a made-up mind to support and follow leadership and make their job easier! How can we best support and celebrate leadership? Be the right kind of followers who maintain your rank and support with a committed heart!
3. Be followers who support with a singleness of purpose. – Israel was a nation in urgent need to leadership. This decision to come together for a single goal was at the heart of this movement. They must find unity in the selection and support of a godly ruler for the nation. It is not about who gets the credit. It is not about whose idea it was. There must be one purpose for benefit of the nation. When people come together and focus on a single purpose, it’s an occasion of gratitude and joy. If we desire to honor of God and the prosper his people, we must be unified in our purpose.
Mark 3:24-26 “And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.”
This general truth is clearly stated. Most kingdoms fall, not by the power of foreign enemies, but by the weakness due to divisions. A kingdom, or a family, can prosper only by living in harmony. The members must unite in promoting the same purpose. If divided--if one part undoes what the other does--it must fall. Understand this, singleness of purpose gives stability within Christ’ kingdom. Everything rises and fall on leadership. God alone gives good leaders. Good leaders succeed by the support of their followers.
David was anointed, appointed, gifted, committed, but he could not become king without support. You and I are king makers! The kind of followers we are, will determine the kind of kings we make.
1. Be followers who keep their rank. I have watched with proud admiration as the pastor, trustees and leaders have observe proper protocol, obeying and supporting one another, following the directives of the state and conference to enhance the ministry of the Church, it worked because they have followers keep their rank. Yet how frustrating it becomes when followers break rank and do their own thing.
2. Be followers who support with a perfect heart. Our leaders have moved forward to serve the community as effectively as possible, preaching a relevant word, performing funerals, celebrating birthdays, loving people with a servant’s heart, desiring to serve the present age effectively, they need followers to support them with a perfect heart, trusting their leadership and supporting their decisions. Yet how frustrating it becomes when followers second quest every decisions and refuse to follow leadership.
3. Be followers who follow with a singleness of purpose. Our leaders are called to go into all the world and make Christian disciples. Everything we do moves us towards that purpose, doing whatever was necessary to ensure people are saved, sanctified, growing in grace and safe as they worship. I wish that every leadership task could always be easy, comfortable, and comforting, but sometimes the task must include rebuke, chastisement, and correction. The call of ministry, the purpose of God and the commitment to do God’s will is so important, we must continue to support godly leadership. I want the leaders to know that we recognize that you are a gift from God to us. We praise God for such a wonderful gift. There are ways to support your leaders by demonstrating loyalty and love, by offering solutions instead of complaints, by making information available that needs attention, by taking the initiative to solve some problems, by being reliable in your attendance, giving and prayers, by not sweating the small stuff, and finally, by treating your leaders with respect.
Leaders can't achieve anything by themselves, and every leader needs a support system. I encourage leaders to lead from within. Leaders should want nothing more than to live their lives according to the truth God has revealed to their own hearts. They lead from those core values that reside deep within their heart. So, I conclude with the words of Paul in his charge to leadership.
2Timothy 4:1 “4 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.”
