What makes a great leader? 

In 1 Kings chapter 2, we hear the final words of King David, as he tells his son Solomon how to lead God’s people in the right way. 

David begins by telling his son to “take courage and be a man” (1 Kings 2:2b).
If Solomon is to lead God’s people properly, he needs to be strong and courageous, like a soldier stepping up to battle.
He’ll need to do things that are difficult, controversial, and costly. 

Next, David tells Solomon to “observe the requirements of the Lord your God, and follow all his ways” (1 Kings 2:3a). 

God’s king must follow God’s ways as he leads God’s people. 

And if he does so, God promises him a great result: “Keep the decrees, commands, regulations, and laws written in the Law of Moses so that you will be successful in all you do and wherever you go” (1 Kings 2:3b). 

God promises his king that he will be successful if he is obedient. 

And this is what success looks like, verse 4: “If your descendants live as they should and follow me faithfully with all their heart and soul, one of them will always sit on the throne of Israel” (1 Kings 2:4b) 

Success in God’s kingdom is having an obedient king on the throne, who loves the law of the Lord, and who follows the Lord with his heart and soul. 

For God’s king, this is success. 

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