Sometimes we’re shoulders …
Sometimes great leaders are used by God to be the stepping stone for the next great leader.
Take King David for example. David wanted to build a temple for God, “When King David was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all the surrounding enemies, the king summoned Nathan the prophet. ‘Look,’ David said, ‘I am living in a beautiful cedar palace, but the Ark of God is out there in a tent!’ Nathan replied to the king, ‘Go ahead and do whatever you have in mind, for the Lord is with you,’” 2 Samuel 7:1-3.
But God had other plans, which meant that David wouldn’t be the one to build the temple, but that work would go to his son, Solomon (see 2 Samuel 7:5-29). Instead of David being allowed to build the temple, he had the privilege of making the preparations for the temple to be built, but it would be Solomon who would actually see the building and completion of the temple.
“David said, ‘My son Solomon is still young and inexperienced. And since the Temple to be built for the Lord must be a magnificent structure, famous and glorious throughout the world, I will begin making preparations for it now.’ So David collected vast amounts of building materials before his death,” 1 Chronicles 22:5.
Sometimes we’re called on simply to be the shoulders on which others stand, the stepping stone from which someone else will lead the way to something greater for the Lord. Sometimes it’s our job to do the preparation and work behind the scenes, while someone else steps into the spotlight.
Whether we’re the “shoulders” or the “builder,” each role has it’s importance in accomplishing the work and the will of God.
Embrace the role God gives you, big or small, doing it all to His glory.
Scotty
July 27, 2009 at 6:07 pm
That is a good word for me today. Since becoming a Dad, I have come to increasingly see myself this way…and I am very pleased with that purpose in my life.
July 27, 2009 at 6:26 pm
How blessed are the children whose parents see themselves in this light!
September 15, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Talking about David, here's what I learned from his life:
Despite our weaknesses and sinfulness, we can still be called "a man after God's own heart". David was not perfect. He committed murder, adultery, etc. but that didn't disqualify him from being a man after God's own heart. The important thing is he acknowledged his sins and repented. We can do the same. We should turn our back to our sin, repent and do our best to obey God's words.