David is the second leader we’ve read about in our Quest who did not get to see his people achieve a longed-for mutual goal. Moses led his people to the brink of the Promised Land, but did not get to enter. Now David, who longed to build a Temple for the Lord in Jerusalem, is not going to get to see that dream become a reality. The Lord has told him that he has been too much a man of war and bloodshed, and that Solomon, his son, will be the king to build the Temple. Solomon’s very name may have the word “shalom,” or “peace,” in it.
How does David deal with this disappointment? He turns away from griping or pining, and does everything he can to put his son Solomon in a good position to be the Temple-builder. He provides from his abundant means for the future of his people. He orders the very best and lays it in, ready for construction. David collects gold, silver, bronze, iron, cedar timber, dressed stone, colored stone, marble, and jewels to trim the temple richly and beautifully. He lines up the skilled workers to shape and fashion all the parts of the Temple.
When the people of his kingdom see what David is doing, they are inspired. They dig deeply and give generously for the future Temple. David remembers his people before God in a prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:17b: “And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to You.” David’s own enthusiasm and zeal to provide inspired others.
What kind of leader does God like best? Some leaders lay a foundation or raise the means for the future, (like David) and some build that future with their own hands (like Solomon). Some carry on a legacy begun by another, and some invent something completely new. Some speak a word of correction for their time and people, turning them away from some unworthy end. Some leaders create a healthy atmosphere, so good work can be done. Some leaders organize and administer for a group, and some look ahead and see a new path. Some are dream-spinners and visionaries, and some are shepherds, caring for the flock, and some prune and trim back deadwood so that new growth can happen. God needs all kinds of leaders. Like David, we should do with all our hearts what God has given us to do, and we can prepare to hand over leadership to the next generation with joy.