Here’s the unexpected
twist. Saul decrees that his entire army
is to fast until victory over the Philistines is complete. Everyone except Saul’s son, Jonathan, knows
about this. Empty stomachs
and the physical labour of battle don’t mix well. By evening the men are weak and tired.
Ironically the army comes across
food in the forest, but refuses to touch it because of Saul’s order. Jonathan, not knowing any better, eats his
fill and is refreshed.
Later that evening Saul
wants to continue to chase the Philistines, but the priest intervenes telling
Saul to ask God what to do next. Saul
agrees, but no answer comes from God.
Saul suspects sin in the army is the reason God isn’t answering.
He gathers all his army
leaders and demands to know what’s happened.
“Then Saul said to the leaders, ‘Something’s
wrong! I want all my army commanders to
come here. We must find out what sin was
committed today. I vow by the name of
the Lord who rescued Israel that the sinner will surely die, even if it is my
own son Jonathan!’ But no one would tell
him what the trouble was.” 1 Samuel 14:38-40
Isn’t it interesting...not
one of Saul’s leaders has the courage to speak up and tell him the guilty party
is his own son?
I suspect no one speaks up
because someone had the misfortune of speaking truth to Saul before and it didn’t
go well. Perhaps Saul subscribes to the “shoot the messenger” theory…literally.
Saul doesn’t strike me as the
type of guy who’s open to suggestions from the people, but as a leader it’s
important to maintain an open dialogue with your staff. Team members should feel comfortable making
suggestions that will improve the work place.
Saul’s Leadership Lesson #4
Stay humble and open enough that your leadership team
and staff are comfortable bringing ideas to you. Keep an open dialogue between you and your
staff.
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