Transitions are never easy. As the baby boom generation is quickly aging out of the workforce, all sorts of institutions from corporations to congregations are dealing with the challenges of finding new leadership. So, how should yesterday’s leaders respond to those who replace them? And how should new leaders treat their predecessors?

Saul, of course, gives us a negative example. Because of Saul’s refusal to obey God, God had removed His Spirit from Saul and placed Him upon David (I Samuel 16:13-14). But instead of bowing to God’s will, Saul continued to struggle, to insist on his own way. And so instead of rejoicing in David’s obvious gifts and achievements, Saul allowed his fear and envy to consume him, even to the point of attempting murder.

What about David? He continued to try to help Saul, playing the lyre to soothe his ravings, even though that placed him directly in the line of fire. He accepted the demotion that verse 13 describes, continuing to do his best as a brigade commander even though he had been second in command of the whole army.

Now, David didn’t have to be so gracious and patient. As Saul gave himself over to envy, David could have become resentful at Saul’s attempts to hang on to power. He could have thrown in the towel, abandoning God’s call on his life in the face of Saul’s relentless pressure. On the other hand, he could have tried to lead a coup and overthrow Saul, seizing for himself the kingdom that God had already promised to him (I Samuel 16:13).

But as he exhibited such grace under fire, David demonstrated that the Spirit of God was truly within him. For isn’t that what Jesus, the Son of David, also did? He deserved to have all the love and all the allegiance of every human being. He deserved to have all the kingdoms of the world bow down to Him. But instead of seizing such absolute power by force, Jesus patiently waited on His Father’s perfect plan for His life. And even though that plan included the painful and shameful death of the cross, He was willing to endure all that because of His love for us.

So, instead of old folks fearing and envying the rising generation, and instead of young folks resenting the power and wealth others have accumulated, maybe we should all take a page out of David’s playbook. Maybe we all need more patience with each other’s weaknesses, more willingness to recognize the gifts God has given to others, more graciousness in the face of our obvious shortcomings. For how else can we walk the way of the cross?

I Samuel 18:10-16 (ESV)

10 The next day a harmful spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raved within his house while David was playing the lyre, as he did day by day. Saul had his spear in his hand.
11 And Saul hurled the spear, for he thought, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David evaded him twice.
12 Saul was afraid of David because the LORD was with him but had departed from Saul.
13 So Saul removed him from his presence and made him a commander of a thousand. And he went out and came in before the people.
14 And David had success in all his undertakings, for the LORD was with him.
15 And when Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in fearful awe of him.
16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he went out and came in before them.