A tale of two kings
R
ecently volcanos have been erupting on the political landscape (not Hawaii or Guatemala). There are nuclear threats and upheavals in Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East; but recently eruptions closer to home forecast trade wars and inter-provincial spats. Conflict has persisted throughout history, but unless our leaders learn from history they are destined to repeat mistakes of the past.
About 3,000 years ago. a wise king died, leaving a struggle for succession. The heir, his son Ray, had grown up in luxury and had surrounded himself with selfcentered friends. His rival, Jerry, had served the previous king as labour boss for large construction projects. He fell out of favour with the king and fled the country to save his life.
When the king died, Jerry returned home.
At the coronation, he presented the young king with a petition. Jerry claimed that Ray’s father had built his kingdom on the backs of his people – conscripted labour and heavy taxes were crushing the people. He begged Ray to ease the burden, promising the people’s allegiance in return.
Ray consulted two sets of advisors. The elders, his father’s advisors, agreed with Jerry and replied, “If you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favourable answer, they will always be your servants.” When Ray went to his contemporaries, they responded: “Tell these people, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist. My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.’”
Ray disregarded the concerns and welfare of his subjects, and took the hard line. Jerry’s response was to rebel against oppression, and 10 of 12 tribes followed him to form a new nation.
Rulers or leaders, whatever their titles, tend to be autocrats or facilitators. Autocrats are usually decisive and strong-willed, proud and impatient with advisors. They can be selfish, disregarding the needs of the people; at worst, bullies and brutal dictators. Facilitators tend to be more collaborative and listen to counsel before making decisions. They may be weak, compromising and indecisive. With integrity and moral character, they can be effective leaders.
In our story, Ray’s “my way or the highway” attitude split the nation. Jerry approached Ray with a reasonable proposal and a conciliatory attitude. When the new king would not listen he acted decisively. However, Jerry’s leadership as king was marred by compromise.
He was promised that if he followed God’s way with integrity, his kingdom would endure. But he deliberately set up a counterfeit religion complete with festivals, and led the people away from God into idolatry, immorality, and eventually into captivity 200 years later. The wise king said, “Without wise leadership a nation falls; with many counselors, there is safety,” and “A just king (leader) gives stability to his nation.”
Pray that our leaders may lead wisely in these troubled times.
(You can read the full story in 1Kings11:26 – 12:33).