Take The Lead At Home - Absalom And Amnon

When King David heard what had happened, he was very angry.

2 Samuel 13:21

George Steinbrenner, the fiery and sometimes controversial New York Yankees owner, allegedly has a plaque on his desk with this quotation: “Lead, follow, or get out of the way.”

The Bible promises blessings when you take your positions of leadership seriously and lead in a godly way. It also includes the story of a man who failed to lead as God intended.

David was often a brilliant leader on the battlefield and in the palace, but he struggled mightily in one key area. Far too often, he defaulted on his God-ordained leadership in his own home. For that reason, his family was dysfunctional.

The prophet Nathan warned David about the family consequences of his sin with Bathsheba. Though God forgave the sorrowful and repentant David, the awful repercussions of his folly remained in place.

When Absalom, David’s second-oldest son, learned that his half-brother Amnon had raped his sister, he waited to see how David would respond. When David failed to take the lead, Absalom took revenge against Amnon and then fled Jerusalem for his life.

Amnon’s murder broke the king’s heart, as did Absalom’s absence. David eventually restored Absalom, but the young man became embittered against his father and eventually led a nearly successful rebellion.

In many ways, David left behind a legacy of brilliant leadership. Had he been more proactive as a family leader, his legacy would have been even greater.

Are you ready and willing to establish a legacy of strong, godly leadership at home? David would tell you, “Don’t default on your responsibility here. Other things may seem more important, but I can tell you categorically that they are not.”

As a husband, father, and man of God, you have the privilege and responsibility of leading others toward godliness. Of course, that kind of leadership costs you something, but it will cost you more to leave it to someone else. Remember David, and honor God by leading your own home with skill and passion.