Issue #149, February 18, 2015
David’s leadership story is not finished until he hands over the reins of leadership to his son Solomon. Sadly, the account given in 1 Kings 1 teaches us more about mistakes to avoid in succession than it does about giving a positive example. When David is old and unable to lead, Adonijah, Absalom’s brother, sets himself up as king without David’s knowledge. Bathsheba quickly goes to David with the news to protect herself and her son Solomon, whom she believed was heir to the throne. David then appoints Solomon the king and after some time of confusion “Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his rule was firmly established” (1 Kings 2:12). Although the transition appears settled after David’s death, Adonijah makes a more subtle attempt to gain power, and Solomon orders his execution, bringing another tragic death in David’s family. What can servant leaders learn from David about how to succeed in succession?
Be quick.
1 Kings begins with a description of this great leader, “When King David was old and well advanced in years, he could not keep warm even when they put covers over him” (1 Kings 1:1). David was an old man shivering in bed and still had not handed over the reins of power. He waited far too long to lead a smooth transition. While this may not have been uncommon for kings, his subsequent actions make it clear that it was within his power to hand over before his death. Instead David did nothing and waited until the situation forced him to act. In succession, servant leaders recognize that earlier is better and they act quickly. They begin planning for a person to succeed them as soon as they take a position. They don’t wait until they are in bed! Servant leaders are more concerned about lasting results than short term power, so they move quickly to plan for succession.
Be prepared.
David was no longer able to lead but had not prepared anyone to take over from him. We noted in the last issue that David had failed at home to develop his sons into warriors. The information about Adonijah is revealing, “His father had never interfered with him by asking, "Why do you behave as you do?" (1 Kings 1:6). David does not seem to have learned any lessons from Absalom’s rebellion about the need to prepare the next leader. He has thought about Solomon leading, but has done little to prepare him for the difficult task of taking over power. All leaders know that they will die; but few have prepared anyone to succeed them. Many leaders find it difficult to even discuss this future reality. Servant leaders recognize that they are called not only to lead, but to prepare the next leader whom God will use to continue the vision.
Be clear.
David had apparently shared his intentions about Solomon with Bathsheba and a few trusted people, but not more broadly. This lack of clarity brought confusion. Adonijah took advantage of the power vacuum and made his claim on the throne. Bathsheba tells David, “My lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are on you, to learn from you who will sit on the throne of my lord the king after him” (1 Kings 1:20). David could have avoided much confusion and perhaps the death of yet another son if he would have simply called a family meeting to discuss the plan for succession. Servant leaders not only have a plan for succession, they clearly communicate their intentions to all who need to know. Their desire to serve the next generation well overcomes their natural reluctance to discuss the inevitable with their families and with those they lead.
Our leadership journey is not over until we hand over. Learn from David that today is the time to start succeeding in succession.
For further reflection and discussion:
- In my context, how is succession normally carried out? Are leaders free to talk about succession? What has been the result? What can I learn from David’s life that will help me do better?
- What have I done in my leadership to prepare for succession? Do I have a plan of who will take over after I am gone? Have I shared this plan with those who need to know? Have I decided when will I step down? What can I do this week to chart the way forward?
- Have I prepared my family for life without me? What things do I need to do to serve them by preparing for the future? Do I have a will? Have I talked with my spouse about my wishes for the future? Are my children aware as appropriate for their ages?
- If you are a young leader like David’s sons, what can you do to better prepare for future leadership? Are there ways that you cSuccession, an serve the leader over you that will encourage him/her to prepare better for succession? How might this be a test of your own leadership?