2 Samuel 21:17 (ESV): 17 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his aid and attacked the Philistine and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You shall no longer go out with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel.”
You’ve heard it said, “It’s not how you start a race that matters, it’s how you finish.” A good leader will assess himself regularly and know when it's time to turn the reigns over. He will never let fear or pride get in the way of what is best for the whole.
After Absalom was killed and David took back the reigns of Israel, there was still division in the land. David did his best to snuff all the traitors out. He then went to the Philistines and took the bones of Saul and Jonathan and buried them in the land of Benjamin. He then went to war with the Philistines. David was nearly killed by Ishbi-bob, one of the descendants of the giants. He was rescued by Abishai the son of Zeruiah. The men swore to David that he would never fight in battle again lest he quench the lamp of the nation by being killed.
Are you aware of your limitations as you age? Some folks never want to think they can't do the things they used to do. But that isn't true! Maturity tells us we need to train others to take our place. Don't be like David who put the entire nation (family/coworkers) at risk because you aren’t willing to pass the torch. Know your limitations and respond humbly!
Father, we thank You for gifting us as You have. Help us to recognize when it's time to pass the torch. We never retire from You, we just change occupations. Help us to know when and how to do this we pray in Jesus' name, amen.
Comments