Devotionals by Dr. M. Craig Barnes
O that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. --
These are the words of King David, who had a more intimate relationship with God than most of us have. He was the one that Scripture remembers as "a man after God's own heart." He also had a clearer sense of calling, a more important job, and a whole lot more power than most of us have. So isn't it interesting that some days, in spite of all his spirituality and power, King David was tempted to run away?
Actually, when you mix spirituality and power together, you usually get a temptation to run away. That is because the spiritual person is not addicted to the power and sees it only as a means of serving God. Typically, spiritual leaders are reluctant leaders. They all have other, more quiet, plans for life that have been put on hold while they respond to the call of leadership. This was certainly true for the biblical leaders who were all called out of quiet, private lives, like being fishermen, farmers, and scholars. We get the impression that David often missed his sheep who were a lot easier to lead than the nation of Israel.
So why does God prefer leaders who are reluctant? I suppose it's because they never think they are necessary or messianic. And they don't make the grave mistake of doing anything to hold on to power. Best of all, only the reluctant leader will try to fly away every morning and find rest in the heart of God, which is where sacred visions for leadership are found.
-- Craig Barnes