Servant Leadership: 1 Samuel 12:1-5
The concept of the servant leader is a rare commodity in the world. People like fame. People like power. People enjoy being in positions to make decisions rather than having decisions made for them. Because of this, people actively seek positions of leadership. That doesn’t imply, however, that those who seek leadership are the same people composed of strong enough character to lead.
Saul won the day. He showed his ability to lead an army into battle. He created a tactical assessment and then executed it. The people wanted a king to deal with foreign threats to be like other nations. They got what they wanted.
After the victory celebration, Samuel gives his farewell speech. What a difficult moment for Samuel. Samuel was God’s appointed judge. He was the leader of the Hebrew people. God established Samuel to guide the people. In asking for a king, the Hebrew people weren’t only rejecting God. The desire for a king was a rejection of Samuel’s authority as well.
Samuel could have felt a natural desire to become king. He was the judge; people were already accustomed to working with him. The lure of power is a tempting proposition for many people. It is common to dream of having the power to do what you want, when you want it, and then have the strength behind you to back up your decisions.
Samuel never once asked God to become king. He didn’t use his connections to glorify himself. He didn’t use his influence to bring glory to himself. Samuel understands the social danger of establishing a powerful central figure and wants nothing to do with it. Rather than desire the power, Samuel steps aside graciously.
God gave the people their heart’s desire. He gave them a human leader who looks the role. Saul is big and strong. He is imposing. He feels like a natural leader. He is the kind of man who can step into the role of king and live it out.
Samuel steps down, knowing the people are leaning into the ways of the world. Therefore, Samuel asks them to witness their decision. Samuel makes them testify he never used his position for his own glory. He did not use his position to improve his wealth. He did not use his power to extort the wealth of others for himself. When he made decisions, he did so free of the corruption of bribes. He was the honest leader the people should have appreciated because God knew his heart and placed him where the people needed a leader.
As Samuel begins his farewell address, a note of sorrow fills the space. So often true and honest leaders are not the ones who rise to power. This happens because true leaders don’t seek power and fame for themselves. They lead when called upon rather than forcing themselves into the spotlight. The concept of the servant leader is a rare commodity in the world.
