Secure Leadership can be Flexible

For the past couple of weeks the daily readings in the BRF ‘New Daylight’ notes have been written by my friend David runcorn, and they’ve been a real joy to read and ponder. This morning, though, I was struck by something in the passage that wasn’t in David’s notes.

In 1 Samuel 11.13, after the new king Saul’s great victory over the Ammonites, some Israelites want to execute Saul’s critics. His reply: “No one shall be put to death this day, for today the Lord has brought deliverance to Israel.”

However, a few years later, Saul’s son Jonathan and his armour-bearer stage a dare-devil attack on a Philistine outpost which leads to a great victory for Israel. Saul then swears a rash oath calling down God’s judgement on anyone who eats anything until Saul’s victory is complete. Jonathan, unaware of this, eats some honey. When this comes to light, Saul is adamant: “God do so to me and more also; you shall surely die, Jonathan!” (14.44).

What makes the difference? I think that in chapter 11 Saul is secure in his leadership, enjoying the favour of God and the acclaim of the people. But by chapter 14 things have changed; Samuel has already rebuked Saul for presuming to offer a sacrifice (thus usurping Samuel’s position – though Samuel had been late arriving!) – the war against the Philistines is not going well, and Saul’s position is much less secure.

Lesson for me? Leaders (government, church, parents, community etc.) who are feeling insecure in their position are much more likely to insist on their power being respected and their rules followed to the letter. On the other hand, those who feel secure in their leadership often find it easier to be generous and magnanimous to those who disagree with them.

Seems somehow very relevant!