It’s an often overlooked statement that is strangely counter-cultural. You find it in 1 Samuel 23:17 when Jonathan says to his great friend David: “You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you.” Now that wouldn’t be too startling a sentiment if it wasn’t that everyone expected Jonathan to be king. After all, he was the oldest son of King Saul, and that’s how these things work in royal circles. The oldest son is heir to the throne – easy, straightforward, not controversial at all. So what is Jonathan doing promising the throne to David and suggesting he would be his 2IC? And why would anyone willingly say, “I will be second”.
The desire to be first fuels so many conflicts – and it certainly fuelled a fair few in the Bible. Take Jacob’s desperate desire to have the rights of the first born which were given to Esau who had beaten him by a whisker as these twins exited their mothers womb. The deceit and conflict that follows is truly tragic, and all because Jacob could never accept that he came out second. While Esau paid scant attention to his rights as a firstborn he never thought that he should simply say to his brother Jacob, “I will be second.” Or what about the conflict between Joseph and his older brothers. Told in a dream that one day these brothers would bow down to him, Joseph is foolish enough to share the vision. Rather than say “No worry, we will be second” they plan to kill him – but then settle for selling him into slavery. And oh the family heartache that follow.
There is something deeply counterintuitive in being content to be second, yet Jesus pushes the idea even further. He suggests that the first will be last and the last first – so why select second when you can select last?
Noble though Jonathan’s sentiment towards David was, it didn’t turn out that way. David did indeed become king, but Jonathan was killed in battle far, far too young. David is devastated. We will never know if it would have worked with David as king and Jonathan his second. But there is an example set, and it should not be forgotten.
Jonathan was probably right that David would be a better king than him. Both were exceptionally capable – but David a bit more so. It’s hard to be confident in your status as an achiever yet to recognize that someone is a better fit than you are. It takes remarkable humility. Few have it. Jonathan wasn’t interested in what served his agenda, but what would serve the national interest best. When it came to being king, Jonathan couldn’t think of anyone who was a better fit for the role than David – even though Jonathan would have done a good job – and no doubt been better at it than his very erratic father, Saul.
It’s a simple sign of an ethical leader – they do what will serve the group best, not what will serve their own self interest. It’s the essence of being a servant leader. A leader who is there to serve – not to be served.
Some serve best from the first chair, others in the second chair – and let’s face it, most are better in the trenches, rather than the control room. There is a place for everyone, and when ego doesn’t get in the way, great things can happen.
Some leaders overstay their welcome. They cling on for too long, forgetting that it is rather an achievement to pass the reigns to someone more capable. Not that someone is more capable because they say they are, or because they want to be first. In fact, the desire to be first is often a good indicator that you shouldn’t be. The motives could be far too muddled.
In a “me first” era, what a difference would be made if leaders could be friends, committed to what would serve the wider whole best. The world could be a very different place if we heard more people say like Jonathan, “You shall be first, and I shall be second to you.” And when they say that, perhaps they will hear their nominee answer back – “Oh I think not. You should be first – for I am more than happy to be second.” And wouldn’t it be good if “no one will work for the money and no one will work for fame – but each for the joy of serving” – to slightly alter the Kipling poem.
Nice chatting…
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Thank you, Brian. The idea that “A leader who is there to serve – not to be served” is seldom emphasised. We frequently discuss leadership, but you seem to focus on the concept of “feedership”. The essence of being a servant leader. It’s the difference between “leading my sheep” and “feeding my sheep”.
Yes, that’s a very good way of putting it Ash. Important to emphasise “feeder ship” and growing others.
Thanks Brian, thought provoking.
Prompted me to re-visit the scripture. I found it interesting to observe how the friendship between Jonathan & David was founded, and how Jonathan firstly needed to be educated by David so that his father’s heart was revealed. In this sense David served Jonathan. As a result, both were brought into unity to make a stand against evil and ambition was removed from the table. In the context of war, life and death our perspective changes. To have someone walk in front can also be self protection because they take the arrow first.
Absolutely Ann. We often think of the glory of leadership, but as you say being in front exposes you to many arrows.