Contemplative Bible Reading

Psalms 78:72 (New English Translation)

David cared for them with pure motives; he led them with skill.

When I read this yesterday, a sense of peace came over me. This describes David, who at times in his life was a great leader of his people. He knew what had to be done and he was able to have his people do that. Many times what they had to do was difficult and not pleasant, but they followed David.

How did David lead so well? Two big items, he:

cared for them with pure motives

led them with skill

Depending on my mood, I would write that one of these characteristics is more important than the other. I don’t know that I would ever claim that one or the other was not important. The combination and balance of the two is paramount. I have seen many skillful leaders who led only for personal gain. I have seen pure, loving leaders who tripped over their shoe laces daily. Neither of those types of leaders was effective. Both of those types led people into great harm.

At times, David was a great leader.