Scripture
So Judah and Israel lived in safety, every man under his vine and his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon. 1 Kings 4:25

Observation
One of my favourite pictures in the Bible is summed up with the words “every man under his vine and fig tree.” I imagine Jewish backyards with patios and landscaping, with lamb sizzling on the bbq and kids playing on the lawn. Having a home and family to fill it is one of life’s greatest rewards.

Why were the people blessed with this idyllic life? Because they had a good leader in King Solomon and they chose to fall under his leadership. Some cared for the king’s 40,000 stables. Others farmed to feed the palace one month out of 12. Sill more hauled rock and timber in rotating shifts in Lebanon.

The choice to come under that leadership brought blessing. There was time to do landscaping. There was time to let a tree grow big enough to enjoy its shade. Life was good because of a good leader and the choice of others to follow his lead.

Application

I have been blessed with a good leader in our pastor and in the leaders of our church. I’m thankful for them and open my heart to them.

Prayer
Father, help me to follow and to reap the rewards of following those whom you have placed in leadership over my life. Amen.