Sermon: How To Support Leadership

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.