3 Biblical Lessons for a New King

Have you heard of the 80/20 rule? Based on the writings of Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto, it says the 80/20 ratio appears throughout life.

For example, in an organization, 80% of the meaningful work is done by 20% of the people. 80% of the complaints come from 20% of the customers.

Or if you are a fundraiser, 80% of the money you raise comes from 20% of the givers.

And so on. It's a remarkable principle, and now you will notice it everywhere.

What is the connection to the death of Queen Elizabeth and the ascension of King Charles III?

Well, many kings are described in the Hebrew Bible.

We know, of course, about King David and King Solomon. What we may not know, however, is that most of the biblical kings failed!

They were corrupt, abused their power, got involved in wars, and were despised by their people. Examined closely, we see the 80/20 rule at work. About 80% percent of the kings were terrible. 20% were outstanding.

So what makes for an outstanding king? What guidance can the Bible provide for King Charles III? Here are a few themes:

1. Listen to your elders: King Solomon's successor was named Rehoboam. When he inherited the throne, the Israelites begged him to lighten their load.

Many of them had been conscripted by Solomon to complete massive building projects in Jerusalem. They hoped a new king would listen to their concerns.

Rehoboam heard their plea and turned to his advisors. His elderly experienced advisors told him to accede to their request. They had just cause.

But his younger advisors said Rehobaum had to make a statement. He had to show the people he was in charge. Rather than lighten their load, he should require them to work harder.

Rehoboam chose to listen to his younger peers. And the Israelites rebelled. The rebellion splintered the kingdom, dividing it between the North and South. The United Kingdom never returned.

2. Focus on the future: Much of the news today focuses on the long life of Queen Elizabeth and her historic reign.

For many, the nostalgia is heart-warming and meaningful. But one f the most remarkable qualities of Elizabeth's reign was her ability to adapt to the future.

Her reign included the aftermath of a World War, the dwindling down of the British empire, the rise of the internet, multiple family scandals, the rise of China and so much more.

Yet, despite a few stumbles, the monarchy is strong. Few British citizens want to see it abolished.

Even with her traditional mannerism, Queen Elizabeth prepared and adapted to the moment. If she had clung to the past, we may not have a new king.

Moses did the same thing. When he began leading the Israelites, they were a group of slaves, When he died, they were a nation about to enter the Promised Land.

During the forty-year jourey through the wilderness, he prepared them for the life ahead of them.

He taught them the Torah, he cultivated new leaders, he developed rules for settling disputes, and he spent the entire last book of the Torah giving moral guidance so the people would remain faithful.

Had he clung to the past, we might not be here.

3. Believe in the people you lead: I heard this teaching from the late great Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, who was a personal friend of King Charles III. King Charles actually wrote the forward to Rabbi Sacks' last book.

Rabbi Sacks pointed out one of the remarkable qualities of faith depicted in the Bible.

It is not remarkable that we believe in God. God doesn't need our belief. God is God.

Rather, the miracle is that God believes in us. God has faith that we human beings can create, love, worship, give and make the world a sacred place.

Like God believes in us, so great leaders believe in their people. They instill confidence and strength and purpose in them.

Winston Churchill, for example, believed in the people of Great Britain. Ten years after World War II ended, Churchill reflected on his leadership and said the British people “had the lion's heart.  He merely “had the luck to be called upon to give the roar.”

We human beings are capable of so much. Wicked leaders exploit our fears and urge us to crawl like snakes.

Great leaders believe in our strength and urge us to roar like lions. They don't lift us up. They help us find the strength to lift up ourselves and one another.

May Charles III be such a leader.