Psalm 78(of Asaph), the second longest psalm, pays a wonderful tribute to David as king of Israel.
72 And David shepherded them with integrity of heart;
with skilful hands he led them. Psalm 78
Saul, first king of Israel and chosen by God Himself turned to a witch to know his end in the coming battle. Proof that God allows us free will, even after we turn away from Him. Solomon, David’s successor, was led astray and participated in idol worship. David wasn’t perfect and the Bible records that in some detail, but he faithfully worshipped God to the end of his life. His leadership was the only one that received praise, from the first three kings of a united nation before God.
David fought and won many battles against the enemies of his people. This (bloodshed) prevented him from building a Temple to the Lord in Jerusalem, but he made extensive preparations for his son Solomon to complete the work. 1 Chronicles 22-29 God also made a Covenant with him, promising him a lasting dynasty. 2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17, Psalm 132 David’s contribution, the work of his hands and the worship of his heart were recognised by heaven.
Jesus Himself made some interesting remarks about His own leadership; He was the only perfect leader!
In John 6 Jesus began to talk to his followers about the ‘Bread of Life’,
27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.’
52 Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’
53 Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. John 6
Jesus was talking about taking Communion, which His future followers would celebrate, but He left the Jews in ignorance of this.
John 6:66 records many of Jesus’ disciples left Him (interesting reference, three sixes ‘666’ number of the antichrist, Bible references added later, not inspired, however many will fall away during the great apostasy).
66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. John 6
In John 17, Jesus testifies that He has kept those whom He’d been given and lost none of them, (except Judas) something worth noting even as He approached crucifixion.
12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. John 17
Paul gave Timothy, his spiritual son, a good word of encouragement,
17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honour, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.
Heaven will acknowledge and reward those who have served well, in whatever capacity. Stay faithful in your heart and work with your hands ‘as long as it is day’, as long as you can.
God bless and keep you safe in your calling for Him.