The Bible says that David was a man after God’s own heart. What does that mean?

After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.‘”
Acts 13:22

David proved God true through the varied circumstances of life. 

Authority

Myths about great leaders:

Great leaders are independent.

Great leaders are large and in charge.

Great leaders get their own way.

Truth about great leaders:

Great leaders concentrate on connection. 

Great leaders say no to themselves so they can say yes to their followers.

Great leaders know, “It’s not about me.”

David was anointed but told no one and asked for no privileges.
I Samuel 16

David was accused and attacked, but he didn’t make it about him.
I Samuel 17

I Samuel 24

David never took matters into his own hands.
I Samuel 24, 26

II Samuel 1-5

David only wanted God’s will, in God’s way, at God’s time. He would not violate the principles of God to get what he had been promised. 

Fifteen long years after the promise, David was declared King by the elders. And he made a covenant with them when he didn’t need to.

He showed his character by willingly choosing to be UNDER authority.
II Samuel 5:3

God had made him the most powerful leader in the nation even without an official position.
It was his influence that gave him authority.

Centuries later, Jesus did it.

Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God.

John 13:1-3

This was the hinge moment of history and the eternal standard for leadership and authority.

 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.

John 13:1-3

What we do when we have authority tells the truth about who we are.

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Mark 10:45

Bottom Line: Great leaders lead through service and influence.

Next Steps:
1. Evaluate yourself. Who is #1 in your heart and decisions?

2. Memorize Mark 10:45.

3. Look for some feet to wash.