Great leadership is about leading the way, being the first to give and sacrifice and do the hard things. A great leader hurts first and more than the people in order to do the right thing. Great leaders are rare but when they come along, they inspire the many.
David was a great leader. He wasn’t able to build the temple for the LORD as he wished because he had shed so much blood. But that didn’t stop him from working hard to make sure his son had everything in place prior to his taking over. He had raised the money for all the materials, the precious metals, the jewels, the wood paneling, the skilled labor…everything.
The money used to purchase all of this came from the people and the taxes and the tribute given by vassal nations. But David didn’t stop there as that would have been easy. Even sufficient. But David decided to give out of his own wealth.
“Moreover, because of my delight in the house of my God, I now give my personal treasures of gold and silver for the house of my God over and above all that I’ve provided for the holy house” (1 Chr 29:3).
And what he gave wasn’t just a small amount. It was 100 tons of gold and 250 tons of silver. That was a massive amount of wealth!
What happened then is his actions inspired all the others. They too gathered together to give:
“Then the leaders of the households, the leaders of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king’s work gave willingly” (1 Chr 29:6).
David had inspired a massive movement of generosity. And all of them together just barely outgave David himself. They have 185 tons of gold and 375 tons of silver. They also gave 10,000 gold coins and 4000 tons of iron. And when they gave all the leaders did so willingly and with great joy (1 Chr 29:17).
The result was that there was great rejoicing everywhere. It spread to the masses.
“Then the people rejoiced because of their leaders’ willingness to give, for they had given to the LORD with a whole heart. King David also rejoiced greatly” (1 Chr 29:9).
It was a massive celebration and joyful time. But it came when a leader sacrificed first and most. That’s what makes a great leader.
